Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024
Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - Soaring to New Heights: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Clinches Top Spot
Mixing Partners on One-Way Awards: Starting in late 2024, Alaska Mileage Plan members will be able to mix partners on a single one-way award ticket, an exciting new development.
Reduced Pricing for 60% of Partner Economy Routes: With the new distance-based award charts rolling out in March 2024, Alaska claims that 60% of partner non-stop routes in economy class will see lower redemption pricing.
Discounted Alaska Lounge Access: Non-elite Mileage Plan members can now access Alaska Lounges at a discounted rate of $450 annually, down from the previous $600 fee.
Elite members also enjoy a reduced $350 rate.
Leveraging Marriott Bonvoy Transfers: Mileage Plan members can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy at a favorable 3:1 ratio, making it a powerful way to boost their Alaska miles balance.
What else is in this post?
- Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - Soaring to New Heights: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Clinches Top Spot
- Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - United MileagePlus Remains a Powerhouse, Ranking Second in 2024
- Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - Delta SkyMiles Shines, Offering Unparalleled Elite Status Benefits
- Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - JetBlue TrueBlue and Southwest Rapid Rewards: Simplicity Meets Value
- Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - Frontier Miles and Spirit Free Spirit: Budget-Friendly Loyalty Options
Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - United MileagePlus Remains a Powerhouse, Ranking Second in 2024
The United MileagePlus program continues to be a top-tier frequent flyer program, ranking second best in 2024 according to WalletHub's review.
This is due to the program's high average mile value of 1.24 cents, generous earning bonuses, and extensive network of airline partners.
Starting in 2024, United is revamping its co-branded credit card earning structure, allowing members to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) 20% faster.
Cardholders will now earn 25 PQPs for every $500 spent, compared to the previous rate of 500 PQPs for every $12,000 spent.
United is maintaining the same elite status qualification requirements for 2024 as in 2023, despite industry trends of increasing thresholds.
This means MileagePlus members won't need to earn more Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) or Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) to achieve status.
Existing MileagePlus elite members are being rewarded with an "elite status jumpstart" in 2024, where United will automatically deposit PQPs into their accounts based on the status they earned in 2023.
This gives them a head start on requalifying for the next year.
The science behind the MileagePlus program's continued success lies in its ability to balance member benefits with United's commercial interests.
By offering valuable rewards and maintaining reasonable status requirements, the program remains attractive to both frequent and occasional flyers, driving brand loyalty and revenue for the airline.
Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - Delta SkyMiles Shines, Offering Unparalleled Elite Status Benefits
Delta now uses only Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) as the criteria for earning elite status, with significantly higher thresholds compared to 2023.
To achieve Silver Medallion, members must earn 5,000 MQDs, while Gold Medallion requires 10,000 MQDs.
Delta co-branded American Express cards now provide an accelerated path to earning MQDs.
Cardholders can earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent, compared to 1 MQD per $20 spent on the card in previous years.
Delta has expanded the ability to earn MQDs beyond just flights, allowing members to earn credits through Delta Vacations packages.
Each traveler in the package can now earn MQDs based on the total package cost.
Diamond and Platinum Medallion members can choose from a suite of "Choice Benefits," including Delta Sky Club memberships, upgrade certificates, and $200 travel credits, providing unparalleled flexibility in customizing their elite perks.
Delta has introduced a new "Delta 360°" invitation-only tier, offering an even more exclusive travel experience with personalized concierge services and priority access to the airline's most sought-after benefits.
Medallion members now enjoy enhanced same-day flight change privileges, with the ability to stand by for earlier flights without additional fees, giving them more control over their travel plans.
Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - JetBlue TrueBlue and Southwest Rapid Rewards: Simplicity Meets Value
Southwest Rapid Rewards offers a 25% bonus on points earned by A-List Preferred members: A-List Preferred members earn a 25% bonus on points earned, making it easier to accumulate points and redeem rewards.
JetBlue TrueBlue points can be earned through dining, shopping, and everyday purchases: In addition to earning points through flights, TrueBlue members can earn points through the TrueBlue dining and shopping programs, as well as through everyday purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards has a unique "Wanna Get Away" fare: Southwest's "Wanna Get Away" fare is a discounted fare that earns fewer points than other fares, but is still eligible for rewards redemption.
JetBlue TrueBlue has a points pooling feature: TrueBlue members can pool their points with family members or friends to redeem rewards faster.
Southwest Rapid Rewards offers a "Companion Pass" benefit: The Companion Pass allows A-List Preferred members to earn a free companion ticket on paid and award flights, making it a valuable perk for frequent flyers.
Unveiling the Top 7 Frequent Flyer Programs of 2024 - Frontier Miles and Spirit Free Spirit: Budget-Friendly Loyalty Options
Frontier Miles and Spirit Free Spirit both offer budget-friendly loyalty options, but they have different earning structures.
Frontier Miles awards members with 1 mile per mile flown, while Spirit Free Spirit awards members based on ticket cost with 6-10 points per dollar spent.
Spirit's Big Front Seats, starting at $12, can have exponentially increasing prices, while Frontier offers Stretch seating at a fixed rate.
Spirit Airlines' Free Spirit loyalty program was overhauled in early 2021, introducing true frequent flyer perks and dynamic pricing for award flights.
Frontier Miles has two tiers of elite status: Elite 20k and Elite 50k.
Elite 20k members receive priority boarding and exclusive discounts, while Elite 50k members receive additional benefits.
Frontier Airlines has partnerships with Marriott Bonvoy and Wyndham Rewards, allowing members to transfer points to Frontier Miles.
Starting in 2024, Frontier Miles members will earn 10x Travel Miles and 10x Elite Status Points per dollar spent on Frontier purchases.
Spirit's Saver$ Club offers discounts on fares, bags, seats, Flight Flex, and Shortcut Security for members and up to eight people on their reservation.
Spirit and Frontier both offer elite status with two tiers (Silver and Gold) earned by accumulating status qualifying points within a calendar year.
While Spirit and Frontier are low-cost carriers, Spirit tends to have lower base fares with additional fees, while Frontier offers more inclusive fares with optional add-ons.