The Two Best Frequent Flyer Programs Or Elite Flyer Program In The U.S.

Forbes and ThePointsGuy both agree on one thing and that is Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have provided the best perks to their elite members of their frequent flyer programs. ThePointsGuy, which is a renowned travel advice website, has analyzed the frequent flyer programs of the six largest U.S. airlines. The six largest U.S airlines are American, Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, Southwest and United, and their frequent flyer programs benefit travelers who fly 25,000 miles and spend up to $3,000 per year. Those who spend 5,000 miles per year end up spending $6,000, 75,000 frequent flyer miles usually make $9,000. The elite members who have earned the top status fly 125,000 and spend up to $15,000. The two best frequent flyer programs or elite flyer programs are listed below.

1. What Makes Alaska Number One

This year Alaska has sky rocketed to the number one spot because of its amazing frequent flyer perks. The perk that has helped in the airline’s popularity is that the airline still rewards its members with miles which are based on the distance they have flown, rather than the money they have spent. According to the analyst ThePointsGuy website, Nick Ewen, this resonates with a lot of the frequent flyers because the elite members can earn up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth of extra miles. These miles can later be redeemed at all partnering airlines such as Air France, Cathay Pacific, or Japan Airlines.

According to Ewen the airline also stands out from the rest because of its issuance of seat upgrade certificates. The elite members who reach 50,000 miles and spend up to $6,000 every year get to qualify for MVP Gold Status. The MVP Gold Status is a big deal in the world of aviation because it gives the member four Gold Guest Upgrade certificates that can be used by the member or transferred to someone else.

No other airline offers such flexible perks to their elite members or mid-tier frequent flyers. If that is not enough, Alaska Airlines also waives off change and cancelation fees for members who have reached the MPV Gold Status. MPV Gold 75k (the elite members who have flown 75,000 in one year) also get this perk, which allows them incredible flexibility on their airline tickets.

2. How Did The Airline Reach Number One?

The Airline landed on the number one spot after the people over at ThePointsGuy.com evaluated all six airlines in detail. The team extensively studied the elite status of all the afore mentioned airlines policies for in-flight perks. They marked each category the following way.

• In-flight policies- 25% of the final score
• Airport perks- 10%
• Non-flying perks- 5%
• Reservation perks-5%
• Partner perks-5%
• Fee waivers-20%
• Bonuses- 20%
• Flexible perk-10%

Even though Alaska Airlines program reached number one spot, the airline itself however, dropped to the number fourth spot. United Airlines jumped to the topmost spot for elite frequent flyers who fly 125,000 miles and spend up to $5,000 per year.
The elite memberships programs of both airlines have outdone themselves this year and have become the best frequent flyer programs or elite flyer programs in the U.S.