If you’re a frequent flyer for business, or simply always choose the same airline to fly with on your vacations, signing up for the airline’s loyalty programme can bring you some great rewards. From free upgrades and other perks such as lounge access, to free flights. But which loyalty programmes are the best? We take a look at the winners of this year’s FlyerTalk Awards for loyalty programmes…
Best Rewards Programme for the Americas
Picking up the award for the best rewards programme in the Americas is Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines also won this award last year. Before that, American Airlines had won for five years in a row. Alaska Airlines representatives have stated that they are very pleased to win again as it proves the result from last year wasn’t simply a one-off fluke and the programme truly is highly popular with the public.
Best Rewards Programme for Europe/Africa
In the Europe/Africa region, the winner of the best rewards programme is British Airways Executive Club. British Airways certainly know how to run a good reward programme as this is its seventh consecutive win in this category! BA have won every year since the awards began in 2012. This programme also won the award for Outstanding Benefit.
Best Rewards Programme for Middle East/Asia/Ocean
Picking up the award for best rewards programme in this region was Qatar Airways Privilege Club. Qatar also won this award last year.
Should you sign up for a Rewards Programme?
In general, you’ve really got nothing to lose and you should always sign up for an airline’s reward programme. You may never fly with that airline again, but if you suddenly start to fly more frequently with a particular airline, you’ll already have some points in the bag. These schemes are usually totally free to join, and just joining can bring you some benefits, regardless of how often you fly. Signing up will also ensure you’re made aware of any special offers and deals the airline is offering. It can certainly pay to be kept informed.
However, when a scheme has a tier system, it can be tempting to book flights just to keep up your standard of membership. Once you’ve got that coveted gold membership, it can be tough to see it drop back down to silver. But is it worth spending all that extra money on first class flights for example, just to ensure that you maintain your level of membership? Always be realistic and work out if the perks you get for maintaining your level are worth the amount it costs to get there!
Emily is an avid writer with a passion for the travel industry. She also loves learning and writing about nutrition and healthy living. Emily is based in the UK.
