The answer to that question can be found in a new study released by CreditCardChaser.com, which educates consumers about credit cards and related benefit programs.
CreditCardChaser.com evaluated frequent flier programs, some of which reward passengers with “points” for each flight taken, by the cost or class of the ticket, or by the mileage length of the flight.
United Airlines launched the first frequent flier program in 1972, and now the concept has spread to most airlines, as well as hotels, car rental companies, retailers, along with credit and bank cards.
Here are CreditCardChaser.com’s top three selections for best frequent flier programs:
Miles and More: Launched in 1993 by German carrier Lufthansa, Miles and More is the largest loyalty program in Europe, with more than 25 million members. Used by a number of European airlines, the program also spreads to Lufthansa's global partnership called the Star Alliance, which includes Air Canada, SAS, United, ANA, Thai Airways International and many others.
The program is free to join, and members may accumulate points to purchase future flights, hotel rooms, rental cars and merchandise. Points accumulate for thirty six months and then expire. As ember reach certain levels of points accumulation, they are awarded status designations and gain access to an additional level of perks and services, such as use of airline business lounges, additional points on flights, and points that do not expire. Status levels occur at 35,000 miles, 100,000 miles in one year, and 600,000 miles over two years. That latter level provides you with “HON Circle” status and members receive even more benefits, including eVouchers, airport limousine service in some cities, and priority baggage handling.
US Airways: US Airways, based in Tempe, Arizona, is an international carrier that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines. Its program is called "Dividend Miles" and passengers earn one mile for every mile they fly, with Business and First Class passengers receiving a fifty percent bonus. Miles can also be earned on program partners, including other airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. US Air is part of the OneWorld Alliance, which has reciprocal points programs, with some of the world's largest airlines including American, British Air, Qantas, Iberia and more than thirty other carriers.
OneWorld member airlines collectively operate more than 3000 aircraft with nearly 15,000 daily departures and carrying 475 million passengers annually.
Barclaycard Arrival: Barclaycard Arrival is attached to a special MasterCard issued by Barclays, the British multinational banking and financial services company, headquartered in London. The program awards two miles for every $1 spent with the card. You can redeem points for travel awards, including airfare, cruises, resort stays and more. Easily manage your own account and redemptions online. Substantial bonus points are awarded for signing up, as well as specified tiers of expenditures in a given month.
With each redemption, members receive a ‘rebate’ of 10% percent of miles credited back to your account. Miles continue to accumulate and do not expire as long as you are a member of the program and your account is in good standing.
Additional program benefits for members include access to MasterCard World Elite Concierge and Travel Services, trip cancellation, baggage and rental auto liability insurance. There are no blackout dates or restrictions and you can travel at any time.