WASHINGTON — U.S. News & World Report’s 2016-2017 Best Travel Rewards Programs puts a new hotel at No. 1.
Wyndham Worldwide’s Wyndham Rewards gets the top spot for best hotel rewards programs, according to U.S. News.
Wyndham’s program lets members earn free nights faster than most other programs. It has rolled out new membership tiers and additional benefits, free amenities and suite upgrades.
Alaska Airlines gets the top spot for best airlines rewards program. Alaska is No. 1 for the second year in
a row, in part, because it’s not doing what other airlines are doing to their frequent flier programs.
“It is one of the few remaining carriers that awards miles based on the distance flown [unlike] the legacy
carriers, American, Delta and United that award miles based on dollars spent, so they’re really rewarding the
people who are spending the big bucks with the elite perks,” said Erin Shields at U.S. News.
Travel rewards programs are a big, and competitive deal for hotels and their power traveler guests, but Shields said even if you don’t travel all that much, many of the programs offer benefits.
“Even if you’re not able to earn the miles via flying, there are so many other ways to earn miles,” Shields said.
“The same thing for hotel stays. If you’re not able to earn them by staying several times a year, there are the co-branded credit cards, there are shopping portals, there are a lot of different ways to earn points and really make the perks worth it.”
Here are U.S. News & World Report’s best hotel rewards programs and best airline rewards programs for 2016:
Hotels:
1. Wyndham Rewards
2. Choice Privileges (Tie)
2. Marriott Rewards (Tie)
4. Best Western Rewards
5. La Quinta Returns
Airlines:
1. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
2. JetBlue TrueBlue
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards
4. Delta SkyMiles
5. Virgin America Elevate
See U.S. News & World Report’s full reviews of airline rewards programs.
