Travel can be a pain: soaring prices, hassle, delays, cancellations and any number of other issues. If you’re a frequent or even semi-frequent traveler, at least you can get rewarded for your efforts if you join a rewards program. But with so many options available from hotel groups and airlines, how do you choose? Points, partners, perks… U.S. News & World Report sorted through all the options and released its annual Best Travel Rewards Program rankings for 2023-2024.
Rewards programs can be enticing, with promises of upgrades, free stays, free flights and more. Cashing in on those rewards can be a problem, however, with blackouts, caveats and other restrictions. The experts at U.S. News & World Report evaluated and ranked both hotel and airline rewards programs based on what travelers value most, including how quickly you can earn free flights or stays, property and flight availability, how many different ways you can earn and use rewards, elite member perks and additional benefits like discounts and free checked bags.
At the top of the list of hotel rewards programs is Wyndham Rewards. The hotel brand includes more than 8,000 properties across several well-known brands including Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada and Wyndham Grand. Through its partnership with several airlines including American and United, members can earn points and miles through both programs. Members can also earn points on car rentals with Budget and Avis, at Caesars Entertainment properties and by using one of three Wyndham Visa cards. Rewards can take up to two months to process, and the brand has a limited number of high-end properties, but overall ranks high in value.
Choice Privileges, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and IHG One Rewards follow Wyndham in the top five hotel rewards program.
As for airline rewards programs, Alaska Airlines once again comes in at number one. Members can earn points on any of Alaska’s 23 partner airlines (including American and British Airways), six participating hotel partners (including InterContinental, Best Western and Marriott), on everyday purchases with an Alaska Airlines Visa card and when booking a hotel stay through Alaska Airlines Hotels. Miles earned can be used toward free flights on Alaska and other participating carriers, partner hotel stays, magazine subscriptions or donations to charity.
The best airline rewards programs after Alaska are, in order, Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage and JetBlue TrueBlue.
Find the full report and details on the U.S. News & World Report website.