Carrier maintains position for 11th straight year
Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan maintained its No. 1 position for the Best Airline Rewards Program for the 11th consecutive year, and Choice Privileges claimed the No. 1 spot as Best Hotel Rewards Program after 10 consecutive years in the Top 5, according to U.S News & World Report’s Best Travel Rewards Programs for 2025-2026.
The Alaska plan, according to the report, provides points based on miles flown rather than spending, ensuring a path to elite status regardless of ticket price. First-tier elite status includes free upgrades, checked bags and same-day confirmed flight changes, while Oneworld Alliance’s multi-airline partnerships provide access to destinations worldwide and increased perks for frequent flyers.
United MileagePlus moves up to No. 2 and American Airlines AAdvantage ranks No. 3, both benefiting from high flight volume and the strongest network scores across all ranked programs. Elizabeth Von Tersch, U.S. News’ senior travel editor, said, “With significant changes to travel rewards policies over the past few years, consumers are reviewing program offerings to ensure their spending delivers worthwhile benefits.” As reward systems constantly evolve, she said, “the Best Travel Rewards Programs provide travelers with helpful data to make informed decisions about travel rewards.”
Choice Privileges, according to the report, allows members to quickly earn free nights, and due to its acquisition of Radisson and an enhanced partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the program has expanded its reach to include both budget-focused brands and luxury offerings. With Choice Privileges’ reasonably attainable elite status, said the report, members also receive impactful perks like room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout after just 10 nights.
Wyndham Rewards secured the No. 2 spot, while World of Hyatt remains at No. 3. Both programs stand out for their ease of earning a free night, said the report, with Wyndham offering one of the largest global hotel networks.
Rounding out the Top 5 airline programs were Delta Sky Miles at No. 4 and JetBlue TrueBlue at No. 5. And rounding out the hotel programs were Marriott Bonvoy at No. 4 and IHG One Rewards at No. 5.
For the full report, see https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/travel-rewards/?src=usn_pr
