Ranking Identifies Top U.S. Airline Frequent Flier Programs

As Covid restrictions lift and travelers take to the skies in increasing numbers, a new report offers frequent fliers a ranking of the rewards programs at the top U.S. airlines.

The personal finance website WalletHub compared the 10 largest domestic airlines’ frequent flier rewards programs using 21 key metrics, ranging from the value of a rewards point or mile to blackout-date policies.

The report noted that there have been some changes to the nation's rewards programs since the start of the Covid pandemic.

"Since the pandemic began, four major frequent flier programs have reduced the rewards value they offer to members, yet the top 10 programs are still providing an average of 3.7% more value now than they did in 2019,” Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst, said in a prepared statement.

“A lot of people think that frequent flier programs only give you miles, but that’s not true. The best frequent flier programs also offer benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, higher priority on overbooked flights and expedited baggage services,” Gonzalez said. “The average program from a major airline saves members around 12% on airfare. Hawaiian Airlines offers the most rewards value per dollar spent, followed closely by Alaska Airlines.”

The following is the ranking from lowest to highest of the 10 U.S. loyalty rewards programs studied by WalletHub:

10. Spirit Airlines - Free Spirit

While the airline offers many ways to earn points, its ranking was hurt by the airline having fewer destinations and more expensive fees than its top competitors, and a policy that wipes out frequent flier points after 12 months of inactivity. It also has no airline partners.

9. Sun Country Airlines - Sun Country Rewards

Sun Country was dead last in rewards value, returning frequent flier customers only about $2 per $100 spent.

8. Frontier Airlines - myFrontier

Among the reasons Frontier was ranked low were its expensive fees and the fact that it has just one airline partner.

7. Southwest Airlines - Rapid Rewards

A lack of airline partners, a low number of destinations and the cost of its frequent flier points knocked down the rating of this airline. It scored good marks for its co-branded credit cards.

6. JetBlue Airways - TrueBlue

JetBlue was credited for the value of its points when scheduling flights, but saw its grade suffer because it did not have as many destinations as its competitors and because of the cost of its points.

5. American Airlines - AAdvantage

American had the most air coverage when partner carriers were not included.

4. Hawaiian Airlines - HawaiianMiles

Hawaiian's program had the most additional features and rewards value, at $24.78 per $100 spent. But it offers only 31 destinations.

3. Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles

Delta's frequent flier program was deemed to have the best redemption policies.

2. United Airlines - MileagePlus

United, with 369 destinations, ranked first among all the large domestic airlines for coverage when including its 38 partner carriers.

1. Alaska Airlines - Mileage Plan

The airline topped the list for overall value and rewards, edging out last year's winner, United's MileagePlus program. Its rewards value was a close second to Hawaiian's at $24.65 per $100 spent.

The full report can be viewed here.