Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards was ranked as the best frequent flyer program of 2026 by WalletHub, a personal finance platform. It was the third consecutive time that Alaska’s plan led the list.

Among the other findings of the report:

• The average airline rewards program saves frequent flyers roughly 7% on airfare, and these programs are all free to join.
• Five of the 10 largest airlines are offering more rewards value in 2026 than in 2025. The top 10 airlines are offering 5% more value than last year, on average.
• Only half of the 10 largest US airlines allow program members to earn and redeem miles with partner carriers.
• Airline miles cost an average of two-and-a-half times more than they’re worth when purchased rather than earned.
• The JetBlue Plus Card is 2026’s best airline credit card, according to WalletHub’s editors.

Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst, said, “High gas prices and TSA staffing concerns are a major drag on people’s travel plans, but consumers do have some ways to fight back.” The best travel rewards credit cards, he said, can save hundreds of dollars quite quickly, assuming the member has the good credit needed to qualify. Pairing an airline credit card with a frequent flyer program, said Lupo, will help lower travel costs.