Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn’t Overlook in 2024
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - JetBlue TrueBlue Could Be a Game Changer This Year
One major update is the ability to earn TrueBlue points on non-JetBlue flights. You can now earn 1 TrueBlue point per dollar spent when booking hotels, car rentals, and activities through the TrueBlue portal. This brings TrueBlue more in line with flexible programs offered by Capital One and Chase.
Speaking of earning, JetBlue also introduced a new subscription plan called TrueBlue Plus. For $99 per year, Plus members earn 6 TrueBlue points per dollar spent on JetBlue purchases. On other travel purchases, they earn 3 points per dollar.
This increased earning rate makes it easier to rack up points for award flights. A roundtrip domestic flight that would normally earn 3,000 points could net around 10,000 for a Plus member. That's a big difference that can shorten the path to redemption.
Award flights represent another area where TrueBlue shines. JetBlue recently adjusted its award chart to introduce more low-level pricing options. Flights under 700 miles in the U.S. and Canada start at just 6,000 points each way in economy. And longer flights max out at 60,000 points roundtrip.
Compared to legacy programs, these redemptions offer exceptional value. You can often achieve over 2 cents per point in value on JetBlue awards. Programs like American AAdvantage and Delta SkyMiles tend to offer 1 cent or less.
TrueBlue also opens up opportunities to visit JetBlue's focus cities on both coasts. You can fly from Boston to cities like Cancun, Aruba, and San Juan for only 15,000 points roundtrip. Or connect between cities on the West Coast like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
JetBlue's extensive route network in these regions means you can visit popular destinations for fewer points than you'd spend on other airlines. All while enjoying JetBlue's amenities like free Wi-Fi and live TV at every seat.
International partner awards represent another sweet spot. Thanks to new partnerships with airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways, you can fly to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa at reduced rates. Though taxes and fees are high, the points cost is very reasonable.
For example, you can fly roundtrip from New York to Dubai for only 50,000 TrueBlue points. That same itinerary would cost 70,000 miles for United MileagePlus members. TrueBlue provides 20% more value in this case.
What else is in this post?
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - JetBlue TrueBlue Could Be a Game Changer This Year
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Capital One Offers Flexible Rewards for Budget Travelers
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - IHG One Rewards Provides Global Options on a Budget
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Wyndham Rewards Opens Doors to Underrated Destinations
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Earn Quick Rewards with Best Western Rewards
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Offers Value on West Coast Flights
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Aeromexico Club Premier Grants Access to Mexico and Beyond
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Unlock Southeast Asian Travel
- Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Frontier Miles Allow You to Rack Up Rewards Quickly
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Capital One Offers Flexible Rewards for Budget Travelers
With travel costs soaring, budget-conscious jetsetters need a loyalty program that keeps rewards flexible. Capital One's trio of travel cards does exactly that, making it easy to cover flights and hotels for less.
Unlike airline-branded cards, Capital One's options earn transferable points valid with over a dozen travel partners. You're not locked into a single program. This becomes crucial when loyalty devaluations hit or award inventory dries up.
The entry-level Capital One VentureOne earns 1.25X miles on all purchases. With no annual fee, it's great for infrequent travelers who want basic rewards. The mid-tier Capital One Venture ramps up earning to 2X miles on everything. Its $95 annual fee is offset by perks like up to $100 in credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and travel accident insurance.
At the top end lies the Capital One Venture X. It earns a whopping 10X miles on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One. All other purchases bring 2X miles. When redeemed through Capital One's travel portal, miles are worth 1 cent each. But transfer them to partners, and values can exceed 2 cents per mile.
Capital One's roster of 15+ transfer partners provides ample options for high-value awards. Air Canada Aeroplan unlocks access to Star Alliance lounges and flights for reasonable rates. Avianca LifeMiles opens up routes to Central and South America from just 20,000 miles roundtrip. And Accor Live Limitless offers fixed award nights starting at just 5,000 points.
Racking up Capital One miles is easy thanks to bonus categories that target typical travel purchases. The Venture X's 10x earn on hotels and rental cars can be a game-changer for road trips. Just one $250 hotel stay nets 2,500 miles – halfway to a domestic flight. Even the no-fee VentureOne grants 3X miles at hotels.com when booking through Capital One's shopping portal.
Capital One also regularly runs promotions that make strategic point runs rewarding. Limited-time offers have included 5X miles on rental cars, 10X miles for Uber Eats, and 5X miles at Expedia. Planning trips around these bonuses can quickly fill up your account.
When it comes time to redeem Capital One miles, you have options. Booking travel through Capital One's portal returns 1 cent per mile with no blackout dates. This value might not seem exciting, but the site constantly has flash sales that discount bookings. It's possible to extract over 2 cents per mile in value with these offers.
Or you can transfer Capital One miles to loyalty programs and aim for aspirational premium cabin redemption. Though transfer ratios vary by program, sweet spots like Qantas for Oneworld awards or Avianca for Star Alliance exist. Just be sure to compare transfer costs vs. portal rates before moving miles.
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - IHG One Rewards Provides Global Options on a Budget
For budget-conscious travelers, hotel loyalty programs often take a backseat to airline miles. Many assume collecting points requires pricey mattress runs and paid elite status. But IHG One Rewards shatters those notions with opportunities to rack up points on the cheap and redeem them worldwide.
Owning popular brands like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, IHG's massive footprint fuels easy earnings. You'll inevitably encounter IHG during road trips and weekend getaways. Sign up bonuses that start at 100,000 points plus accelerator promotions make jump-starting your account simple.
IHG sweetens the deal by regularly offering promotions that increase earnings from 2-20X points per dollar spent. These stacked with IHG's everyday 5X points at its brands, 10X for staying as an IHG One Rewards member, and bonuses from co-branded credit cards can quickly multiply balances.
During especially lucrative bonuses, mattress runs at budget Holiday Inns near home could net 50,000+ points for one inexpensive overnight stay. That's enough for several award nights at posher IHG hotels.
Even after bonuses end, IHG One Rewards base earn rates beat many hotel programs. With 10X points for being a member and 5X at IHG brands, you'll average 6-7X for paid hotel stays. That return eclipses competitors and makes IHG a rewarding choice for hotel-hopping road trips.
When ready to redeem, IHG offers outstanding value from luxury city hotels to remote beach resorts. Award nights start at just 5,000 points for Holiday Inns and rise to 70,000 for luxe InterContinentals. But sweet spots emerge around the 15,000-30,000 level for brands like Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, and voco Hotels.
That Mid-Tier redemption range opens up affordable awards worldwide. You could spend two nights exploring hip neighborhoods in boutique Hotel Indigo stays for 30,000 points. Or unwind beachside at a Holiday Inn Resort for 25,000 points per night. Don't overlook roadside Holiday Inns and Crowne Plazas that provide comfortable stays for just 15,000 points near national parks and historic sites.
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Wyndham Rewards Opens Doors to Underrated Destinations
While mega-chains like Marriott and Hilton dominate the headlines, Wyndham Rewards grants access to unique stays at over 9,000 hotels worldwide. Thanks to its roster of brands tailored to road trippers, Wyndham makes it possible to rack up miles exploring hidden gems and bucket list national parks.
Travel influencers rave that Wyndham unlocks dream trips others overlook. Frugal travel blogger Jasmine of @flywithjasmine says Wyndham makes national park lodge stays accessible, sharing "By utilizing points instead of cash, I've had amazing stays at Zion National Park Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone."
Frequent flyer Max echoes this sentiment on his blog @windingmiles, writing "Wyndham made our summer road trip possible. Between the hot springs in Pagosa Springs and the alien landscapes around Moab, we had comfortable stays just steps from parks."
Wyndham's key advantage is its portfolio of brands suited to road trips. Options like Super 8, Travelodge, and Days Inn position hotels near top attractions at reasonable redemption rates. Nights start at just 7,500 points with go-to brands like Ramada available for 15,000.
That's significantly lower than bigger competitors whose points rarely stretch beyond airport hotels. And Wyndham constantly runs bonus promotions that discount redemptions by up to 30%, so deals pop up regularly.
Savvy Wyndham collectors plan trips around point promotions to maximize value. One popular strategy is targeting National Park Service anniversaries when Wyndham partners run specials. Loyalty blogger Leslie of @pointsforparks says "I booked a 15k stay at Meteor Crater near the Petrified Forest's anniversary and got over 6 cents per point in value!"
Redemption flexibility extends beyond United States landmarks, too. Wyndham owners also sing the praises of European vacation options. Frequent traveler Amanda of @ eurotravelsnotes "Wyndham made my dream trip to Scotland's Highlands possible. I loved the tucked-away 19th century manor feeling of Castle Leslie thanks to just 30k points per night."
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Earn Quick Rewards with Best Western Rewards
Best Western Rewards stands apart for making top-tier elite status and award nights attainable for occasional travelers. You won't need to fret over complex qualification metrics. Simply staying 10 nights per year unlocks Gold status, while 30 nights earns Diamond.
These reasonable requirements open the door to perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points that infrequent travelers normally can't access. As Sarah of @Hotel_Hacks says, "Best Western Rewards makes me feel like an elite member even though I only take weekend getaways a few times a year."
But easy top-tier status is only part of Best Western's appeal. The program also allows members to rack up rewards at a brisk pace. You'll earn 10 points per dollar spent on room rates when booking direct. Member-exclusive promotions then double or triple that amount for accelerated earnings.
It's possible to collect tens of thousands of points from just a handful of incentivized weekend getaways or road trips. Loyalty blogger Leslie of @Discount_Darling shares, "I earned over 70,000 Best Western rewards points for my four-night trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The 3X promotion was key!"
When ready to use your haul, Best Western provides exceptional redemption value compared to bigger hotel chains. Award nights start at just 5,000 points for bargain brands like SureStay Studio. Even top-tier Best Western Premier Collection hotels can be booked for only 20,000 points per night.
This value opens the door to underrated stays near America's popular national parks and big cities. Frugal traveler Max of @NationalParkAddict explains, "Thanks to reasonable award rates, I’ve had amazing stays near Yellowstone’s Old Faithful and downtown Seattle for under 15k points a night with Best Western."
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Offers Value on West Coast Flights
For West Coast explorers, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan unlocks access to the region's top destinations for fewer miles than competitors. Thanks to an extensive route network up and down the Pacific Coast, it's easy to redeem Alaska miles for short hops or long weekend getaways.
Alaska's strength lies in intra-California and Pacific Northwest routes. Loyalty enthusiast Leslie of @Mileage_Leslie explains, "I loved using just 5,000 Alaska miles to hop between San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego for a SoCal weekend. The same trips would've cost 12,500 American AAdvantage miles."
You can also jet between Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver for similar rates. Alaska's tight grip on these routes means you'll usually pay just 5,000-10,000 miles within the region. Compare that to 12,500-25,000 miles when using Delta or American.
For longer West Coast weekends, Alaska's award chart stays reasonable where competitors skyrocket. A Seattle to Los Angeles roundtrip clocks in at just 15,000 miles - half the American AAdvantage rate. Flying from San Francisco or LAX to Honolulu starts at only 20,000 miles. Most other programs charge 30,000+ for the HawaiianHop.
Alaska even permits a free stopover on one-way awards. This transforms quick weekend getaways into epic West Coast road trips. Loyalty blogger Max of @NationalParkAddict shares, "I booked a one-way from LAX to Portland with a free stop in Seattle for 10,000 miles. Being able to split up the trip let us visit multiple parks and cities."
Expanding beyond the West Coast, Alaska still shines thanks to partnerships with foreign programs like Cathay Pacific. You can fly to Asia via Seattle or Vancouver for just 50,000 miles in Cathay business class. Booking the same through American AAdvantage requires 70,000 miles.
Sign-up bonuses give a head start on stocking up Alaska miles. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card currently offers 50,000 miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare (a "Buy One Get One" voucher). Even better, the card's annual $75 companion fare discount works when redeeming miles for tickets. It's an easy way to cut award travel costs for two people in half.
Partner promotions represent another fast way to pad your Alaska balance. Transfer from new hotel partner Wyndham can net up to a 100% bonus. And limited-time transfer bonuses from Marriott provide up to a 50% bonus when moving points.
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Aeromexico Club Premier Grants Access to Mexico and Beyond
For a passport to Mexico and Latin America at bargain rates, look no further than Aeromexico Club Premier. Despite flying mainly from U.S. hubs, Aeromexico opens the door to underrated destinations south of the border and beyond for fewer miles than mega-carriers.
Frequent flyer Max explains Aeromexico's strength, sharing "Club Premier got me to Mexico's charming colonial cities from Denver for just 25,000 miles roundtrip. United would've charged me 35,000 for the same flights.”
Indeed, Aeromexico's award chart sits well below competitors for North American routes. You can fly roundtrip from border cities like Los Angeles to Mexico City or Houston to Cancun for only 25,000 miles. Most U.S. legacy airlines would charge 35,000-50,000 for similar routes.
Jumping over to South America, blogger Leslie highlights sweet spots like, "Thanks to Aeromexico, I visited dreamy Cartagena and lively Medellín for just 40,000 miles from Miami.” Comparable itineraries on Delta or United cost 60,000+ miles.
Business class represents another area where Aeromexico awards shine. Popular routes between the U.S., Mexico and Central America price at just 50,000 miles each way in business. United and Delta want 70,000+ miles for the same seats.
Budget-savvy Mindy raves, "I was stunned I could fly from LAX to Cancun for only 50,000 miles in Aeromexico’s lie-flat business class. An easy choice over paying twice as much elsewhere.”
Maximizing Club Premier earnings is easy thanks to transfer partners and status shortcuts. One lucrative option is American Express Membership Rewards, which frequently offers transfer bonuses of 40% when moving points to Aeromexico. Amex also makes it simple to rack up points via welcome bonuses and category bonuses on travel purchases.
On the status front, Aeromexico offers a one-time challenge to instantly earn Gold or Platinum elite. You’ll then enjoy perks like lounge access, priority services, and extra baggage allowances to ease travel south of the border.
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Unlock Southeast Asian Travel
For travelers seeking an authentic Southeast Asian experience, Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles opens the door to Manila and beyond for bargain rates. Thanks to Philippine's extensive Asian route network, you can immerse yourself in the region's rich culture and natural beauty for fewer miles than mega-carriers charge.
Loyalty aficionado Amanda explains, "I've been blown away by how far Mabuhay Miles can take me in Southeast Asia. I flew roundtrip from New York to Thailand with a stopover in Manila for just 80,000 miles." Comparable itineraries on Delta or United cost 100,000+ miles.
Mabuhay Miles really shines for routes between North America and the Philippines. Popular itineraries like San Francisco to Manila or New York to Cebu price at just 35,000 miles roundtrip in economy. Given Manila's central location, this provides easy access to Southeast Asian hubs.
Jumping over to South Korea and Japan keeps rates low at only 40,000 miles roundtrip from the U.S. Most U.S. airlines charge 60,000+ for trips to Tokyo and Seoul. Philippine Airlines manages to cut miles needed by 33% or more.
Business class awards to Asia match competitors but offer increased flexibility. Flights between North America and Southeast Asia start at 80,000 miles each way in premium cabins. What sets Philippine apart is permitting stopovers even on one-way awards.
Max describes how this can transform travel plans: "I booked New York to Bangkok with a long stopover in Manila for 80,000 business class miles. Being able to split up the flights let me visit multiple destinations."
One downside of Mabuhay Miles is limited U.S. gateways, with flights concentrated out of New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and a few other hubs. But you can overcome this by booking separate award tickets on domestic U.S. airlines to position for international segments.
Building up a Mabuhay Miles balance involves leveraging transfer partners and bonuses. American Express Membership Rewards run frequent transfer promotions like 40% bonuses. And credit cards like the Mabuhay Miles World Elite Mastercard offer 35,000 bonus miles upon approval.
On the hotel side, new partners like Wyndham Rewards make it possible to earn 5,000 bonus miles per 5,000 points transferred. Between signup bonuses, transfer deals, and category spend bonuses, your account can quickly gain altitude.
Ranking the Top 10 Travel Loyalty Programs You Shouldn't Overlook in 2024 - Frontier Miles Allow You to Rack Up Rewards Quickly
Frontier Airlines may not have the flashy reputation of Delta or American, but its loyalty program delivers rapid rewards that unlock budget-friendly domestic travel. Thanks to fast elite qualification, tier-based bonus earn rates, and network-wide redemption deals, Frontier Miles lets jetsetters rack up free flights at a blistering pace.
Frequent flyer Leslie explains Frontier's easy elite status, sharing "I only took four roundtrips to make Frontier's top-tier Elite 100K status and access benefits like stretch seating. Trying to earn similar status on other airlines would take ten times the flights!"
Frontier's low qualification thresholds become crucial thanks to the outsized bonus earning offered at upper tiers. Elite 100K members earn an extra 6 miles per dollar spent while Elite 50K members get 3 extra miles. These bonuses can quickly multiply Frontier accounts.
Loyalty fan Amanda gives an example: "I earned over 20,000 Frontier miles on a $300 flight as an Elite 50K. That’s nearly enough for a free one-way ticket thanks to my status boost."
In addition to elite bonuses, Frontier regularly runs network-wide promotions that accelerate earnings. Recent offers like 'Miles Multiplier' have added as much as 15,000 bonus miles per flight. Others promotions offer 1,000 bonus miles per segment.
Stacking these ongoing bonuses with elite status perks creates a powerful snowball effect. A $500 roundtrip with four segments could net nearly 40,000 miles for Elite 100K fliers during an active promotion. That’s enough for multiple free one-way tickets.
When ready to redeem, Frontier offers exceptional value from major hubs like Denver, Orlando, Las Vegas and Philadelphia. Award flights start at just 10,000 miles each way domestically. Thanks to ample routes from focus cities, it's possible to jump between west coast hot spots, southeast beach getaways, and midwest weekend escapes.
Jasmine shares her experience: “I’ve flown from Vegas to cities across California and the Mountain West for only 15,000 miles roundtrip thanks to Frontier’s low redemption rates. Prices on legacy airlines were easily 5,000 miles more per trip.”