Among the report’s other highlights:
- The average airline rewards program saves frequent flyers nearly 9% on airfare, and these programs are all free to join.
- Seven of the 10 largest airlines are offering more rewards value in 2024 than in 2023. On average, the top 10 airlines are offering 18% more value than they did last year.
- Six of the 10 largest U.S. airlines allow program members to earn and redeem miles with partner carriers.
- The JetBlue Plus Card is 2024’s best airline credit card, according to WalletHub’s editors.
Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, said, “Some travelers scoff at airline loyalty programs, thinking only the most frequent flyers can benefit, but the truth is these programs are free to join and save members an average of 9% on airfare.”
When you pair program membership with one of the best airline credit cards, said Happe, “you can really get first-class savings along with perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags.”
Alaska Mileage Plan and United MileagePlus are 2024’s best frequent flyer programs, said Happe, because they save members the most money and generally have the most consumer-friendly policies. For example, neither Alaska Mileage Plan nor United MileagePlus has blackout dates, award-ticket cancellation fees, short-notice booking fees, or miles that expire. Plus, both offer retroactive flight credits for up to 12 months and the ability to book flights more than 300 days in advance.
