Travel Loyalty Programs We Love
- Carolyn Stanton
- May 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 15
From hotels to savings on flights, there’s no shortage of loyalty programs we look to to save serious cash when traveling. Plus, those sign up perks can really draw you in.
Now, before giving out all your information - be sure to assess how their products and services fit into your budget and long term travel strategy.
If you already fill up at the same gas station every week - why not sign up for their loyalty program? If your flights on Delta align best with your work travel - skip the competitor.
Airlines:
Popular airline loyalty programs offer frequent flyers the chance to earn miles, points, and rewards that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. Here are some of the most well-known airline loyalty programs:
One of the largest and most popular frequent flyer programs. AAdvantage offers miles for flights, purchases, and other activities. Members can earn elite status levels, including Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum, which come with benefits like upgrades and priority boarding.
Delta's loyalty program doesn’t have blackout dates for award flights. Miles can be earned through flights and various partners, including hotels, car rentals, and retail.
Members can achieve Medallion Status levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) for additional perks like free upgrades and waived fees.
United's loyalty program offers miles for flights and purchases through partners. MileagePlus members can earn Premier Status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K) for benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Based on the number of points earned rather than miles flown. Points are earned with flights and through various everyday purchases (e.g., credit cards). Rapid Rewards members enjoy perks like priority boarding and the ability to earn points for reward flights.
British Airways Executive Club
Members earn Avios points, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. The program includes tier levels (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) with benefits like access to lounges and bonus Avios.
Emirates' program offers Skywards Miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and exclusive experiences. The program has tier levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum), with benefits like access to lounges and priority boarding.
Qantas’ loyalty program offers points for flights and purchases. Members can earn status levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum One) with perks like lounge access and priority boarding.
Lufthansa's frequent flyer program lets members earn miles for flights with Lufthansa and other Star Alliance partners. Status levels (Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle) come with benefits such as priority check-in and upgrades.
Hotels:
Hotel loyalty programs offer members rewards for stays, services, and purchases at hotels. These programs typically allow members to earn points that can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, or other perks. Here are some of the most popular hotel loyalty programs:
One of the largest and most widespread hotel loyalty programs, covering over 7,000 properties globally. Members earn points for stays, and points can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and other perks like late checkouts.
Marriott Bonvoy offers several elite status levels, including Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador, each with additional benefits like free breakfast, room upgrades, and lounge access.
Hilton Honors offers members the chance to earn points at over 6,500 Hilton hotels worldwide. Points can be redeemed for free nights, exclusive experiences, and even Amazon purchases. Hilton Honors has elite tiers: Silver, Gold, and Diamond, with benefits such as room upgrades, bonus points, and executive lounge access.
Hyatt's loyalty program allows members to earn points at over 1,000 properties worldwide. Points can be used for free nights, room upgrades, and other travel awards. World of Hyatt has tiered status levels: Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist, which provide benefits like suite upgrades, bonus points, and priority check-in.
IHG One Rewards (InterContinental Hotels Group)
IHG One Rewards covers a range of brands, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and more.
Members earn points for stays that can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, and travel experiences. IHG One Rewards offers elite levels: Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Spire Elite, with perks such as bonus points, early check-in, and room upgrades.
Radisson Rewards offers points for stays at Radisson-branded hotels, including Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Park Inn, and others. Points can be used for free nights, upgrades, and gift cards. Members can achieve Gold or Platinum status, which comes with benefits like early check-in, late checkout, and bonus points.
Wyndham Rewards covers a variety of hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, and Ramada. Members earn points for stays, which can be redeemed for free nights at Wyndham properties. Wyndham Rewards operates on a simple “1,000 points per night” system, with no blackout dates for rewards.
Choice Privileges covers brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Clarion, with over 7,000 properties globally. Points can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, and other rewards. Members can earn elite status with Platinum, Gold, and Diamond levels, which offer benefits like bonus points and upgrades.
Best Western Rewards allows members to earn points at over 4,000 properties worldwide. Points can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, and travel partners. Best Western offers elite status, including Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, with benefits like bonus points and room upgrades.
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