How Does Choice Stack Up to Other Hotel Rewards Programs?
Choice Privileges was voted best-in-class and solidified its position within the top five for at least the last decade as the top hotel rewards program. The essence of the Choice Privileges program is its ease of use and how quickly consumers can earn free nights – attracting travelers at various budget levels.
One of the reason for popularity of Choice Privileges is the recent expansion of it’s strategy. The purchase of Radisson and a stronger relationship with Preferred Hotels & Resorts has significantly broadened the program’s capabilities. Members can now benefit from an expanded portfolio including budget to luxury hotels.
Runners-up in Hotel Loyalty Programs
Close behind Choice Privileges are other popular programs like Wyndham Rewards and World of Hyatt, which are strong in the category of how easy it is to earn free stays. Notably, Wyndham Rewards enjoys one of the most extensive hotel networks in the world, offering tremendous flexibility to its members.
The remaining top five are Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards. Neither program is weak, both have great global coverage and a variety of properties to choose from when travelling around the world.
Another day, another second place for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
The award for best airline rewards program went to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, also for the 11th year in a row as a leader in its category. I find Alaska’s mileage earning ability to be especially lucrative given that you earn elite status based on the miles you fly rather than the money you spend, which is of high value no matter how much a ticket costs.
First-tier elite membership in the Mileage Plan comes with free upgrades, checked bags and same-day changes. In addition, Alaska’s membership in the oneworld Alliance broadens its worldwide coverage, including access to many international destinations like Cathay Pacific and lucrative partnership benefits.
High Fliers in Airline Loyalty
The United MileagePlus program made substantial gains and is up to the second slot, due mainly to a good earning side and a worldwide footprint. American Airlines AAdvantage kept a solid grip on third place thanks to strong partnerships and user-friendly rewards redemption.
Other runners-up in the top five airline rewards programs included Delta SkyMiles and JetBlue TrueBlue. Both programs have received attention for their solid, consumer-friendly values and multiple redemptions that make them more appealing to frequent flyers in general.
Evolving Travel Rewards Landscape
Industry insiders say shifts in travel reward policies are now causing consumers to take a harder look at all rewards programs on the market. Elizabeth Von Tersch, senior travel editor at U.S. News, stressed the need to stay informed in a shifting rewards landscape. Travelers should stay smart, routinely comparing rewards to make sure dollars are getting the most bang.
Strategic Insights for Travelers in the Aviation industry
This exhaustive list is full of valuable information for any traveler who’s looking to get as much out of travel as possible. They can significantly reduce their cost of travel by matching spend with travel preferences to the best-ranked loyalty programs. As strong competition drives the rewards world, members can benefit—and will continue to do so—from further enhancements and new features.
As travel resumes worldwide, we anticipate loyalty programs will become increasingly aggressive in competing for members, maintaining and increasing their relevance and value in the marketplace. Travelers should be staying on top of the changes, taking advantage of promotions, and using more thorough evaluations like U.S. News & World Report’s to make informed decisions.
Final Takeaway of the Rankings
The ascension of Choice Privileges and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan to become two of the three top airline and hotel loyalty programs is a testament to how the world of loyalty travel is changing. With programs constantly evolving to align with traveler needs, these most recent rankings provide a valuable roadmap for making savvy selections and are a testament to travel
Tags: Choice Privileges program, best hotel and airline Alaska Airlines, ING, Wyndham Rewards World of Hyattll taken.
