What to Know
- Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyer program has topped WalletHub’s list of “2019’s Best Frequent Flyer Programs"
- Delta’s Delta SkyMiles program has placed first on WalletHub’s list for four straight years
- United Airlines’ Mileage Plan took second place on the ranking, followed by JetBlue Airways’ True Blue program
Jet-setters, take note.
Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyer program has topped WalletHub’s list of “2019’s Best Frequent Flyer Programs,” the personal finance website said Wednesday.
WalletHub “compared the 10 largest domestic airlines’ loyalty reward programs across 23 key metrics, ranging from the value of a rewards point or mile to blackout-date policies” to create its ranking, it said.
Delta’s Delta SkyMiles program has placed first on WalletHub’s list for four straight years, the website noted.
United Airlines’ Mileage Plan took second place on the ranking, followed by JetBlue Airways’ True Blue program. Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program and Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles program ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
“The rankings for the best airline rewards programs are based on a trio of annual airfare budgets: Light ($527), Average ($3,880) and Frequent ($7,232),” WalletHub said on its site.
Local
“As a result, the best overall frequent flyer programs are well-rounded and positioned to satisfy the needs of loyal airline customers of all types.”
WalletHub’s report found that Hawaiian Airlines offered passengers the most rewards value — $21.29 for every $100 spent, according to the site. Alaska Airlines had the second-best rewards value, offering $18.12 for every $100 spent.
Delta and JetBlue were the only airlines WalletHub ranked “whose miles do not expire because of inactivity.”
WalletHub’s full report — including a “custom calculator” travelers can use to decide on the program that’s best for them — can be found here.
