To help regular travelers select the best loyalty program for their travel needs, U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels, Best Cruise Lines, and Best Vacations, today unveiled the 2022–2023 Best Travel Rewards Programs.
The best rewards and perks of nine airlines and 15 hotel loyalty programmes for everyday travelers are highlighted in the 2022–2023 rankings. For the second year running, U.S. News considered each program’s flexibility with members, awarding additional points to programs that have paused point or mile expiration, extended elite status and made it easier for members to attain elite status.
World of Hyatt takes the top spot on the Best Hotel Rewards Programs list for the first time. The program provides a variety of ways for members to accrue and redeem points, a selection of lodging options for every price range, and a unique opportunity to earn a complimentary night by staying at five different Hyatt brand hotels.
The second-placed Wyndham Rewards program, renowned for its wide availability of awards and extensive network of hotels in popular vacation spots, is followed by the third-placed Marriott Bonvoy program, Choice Privileges in fourth place, and the fifth-placed IHG One Rewards program.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has won the Best Airline Rewards Program title for the eighth year running. With one mile for every mile flown (or 500 miles, whichever is higher), the program also offers the option to earn and redeem miles on qualified flights with more than 20 partner airlines and a host of member advantages.
Due to its award flight options at lower point thresholds and high airline quality rating, Delta SkyMiles maintains its no. 2 ranking. United MileagePlus takes the third position due to its extensive network of flight routes and straightforward path to elite status.
“After more than two years of limited travel and disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic, several rewards programs continue to be flexible with members,” said Erin Evans, managing travel editor at U.S. News. “The top-ranked programs benefit consumers seeking ways to save money as flight fares, and hotel costs continue to rise. Travel rewards programs that make it easier for members to earn and redeem points for free flights, free nights and more, and that offer a variety of member perks, dominated the top spots in our rankings.”
U.S. News examined travel rewards programs in two categories, airline frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs. Using a thorough and transparent methodology that takes into account:
- Membership benefits
- Network coverage
- Ease of earning and redeeming points or miles
- Hotel property diversity
- Airline quality rating scores
- Expert and editor analysis
See the full rankings here.
About U.S. News & World Report
To help consumers, corporate executives, and public officials make better, more informed decisions on important issues affecting their lives and communities, U.S. News & World Report leads the world in producing high-quality rankings. Rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice, and U.S. News Live events are provided by U.S. News, a diverse digital media firm with platforms in Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, and 360 Reviews. Each month, more than 40 million individuals use USNews.com for information and direction. U.S. News was established in 1933 and has its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
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