Southwest Airlines and Marriott took home top honors as the best loyalty program offerings for airlines and hotels, according to a new ranking released by U.S. News & World Report.
Southwest Airlines and Marriott garnered recognition for having the most flexible plans in the marketplace for frequent flyers and travelers.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards program was best among 10 airlines – garnering accolades for the ease of earning a free round-trip flight, the absence of blackout dates, and for allowing members to earn points with the carrier's hotel, car rental, and rental partners. Chase Visa card holders can also earn points on everyday purchases. Points are earned for every dollar spent on Southwest flight and can be used on hotel stay and flights.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards program is most beneficial for travelers based in the southwest United States who frequently fly to major cities around the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, according to the report. Since merging with AirTran, Southwest offers more than 3,800 flights a day to 97 destinations.
By becoming a Southwest Rapid Rewards member, customers earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest or AirTran flights and with the airline's hotel, car rental, and retail partners. What’s more, members can use Rapid Rewards points to pay for the cost of air travel on any Southwest or AirTran flight, while Southwest credit card holders can also use rewards earned to pay for hotel stays, car rentals, and gift cards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards earned an overall score of 4.25 followed by United MileagePlus (3.85), Delta SkyMiles (3.80), Jet Blue TrueBlue (3.68), American Airlines AAdvantage (3.65), Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan (3.58), Virgin America Elevate (3.45), HawaiianMiles (2.63), Frontier Early Returns (1.95), and Free Spirit (1.40).
In the hotel category, Marriott beat out 15 hotel loyalty programs namely for its geographic coverage and brand diversity -- members earn points at affiliate brands such as the Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard Marriott, Renaissance and Residence. Members also receive priority check-in, and a free night at participating hotels when they use points to book a consecutive, four-night stay. Points can be used for spa treatments, dining gift cards and merchandise. Marriott Rewards can also be redeemed for flights on partner airlines like United and Delta.
Each program's overall score represents the ease of earning and using rewards and the amount of flexibility each program provides. Marriott Rewards earned an overall score of 4.10, followed by Best Western Rewards (3.90), Starwood Preferred Guest (3.65), Hilton HHonors (3.55), Choice Privileges (3.50), Club Carlson (3.50), IHG Rewards Club (3.45), Hyatt Gold Passport (3.30), Le Club Accorhotels (3.15), Wyndham Rewards (3.15), Leaders Club (2.45), Stash Hotel Rewards (2.15), Kimpton InTouch (1.65), Loews YouFirst (1.50), Omni Select Guest (1.50), and Fairmont President’s Club (1.45).