Best Airline Rewards Programs for 2025-2026
By Grace Armstrong | Updated 3 Days Ago
Travelers in search of the perfect loyalty program in 2025 are spoiled for choice. Airlines are competing fiercely, enhancing their perks, expanding global networks, and offering travelers fresh, compelling reasons to stay loyal.
Whether your dream destination is the sunlit streets of Paris, the breezy beaches of Honolulu, or the glittering towers of Dubai, the key to unlocking your ideal travel experience might lie in picking the right airline rewards program. After careful research, expert opinions, and traveler insights, here are the best airline rewards programs to consider joining for 2025-2026.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
For two consecutive years, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has soared to the top as the finest airline rewards program in the U.S., according to WalletHub’s 2025 rankings. Though Alaska Airlines may lack the global recognition of giants like Delta or United, the Mileage Plan program excels where it truly matters for frequent flyers: unmatched flexibility and exceptional partner options.
Members earn miles flying with Alaska Airlines and 24 diverse partner airlines, including Emirates, Japan Airlines, and British Airways. Points earned never expire, and Alaska Airlines distinguishes itself with a transparent redemption system. Attractive options such as priority seating during overbooked flights and elite qualifying miles earned even on award travel help members achieve elite status quicker and enjoy an elevated flying experience sooner. Alaska Mileage Plan continues to set the standard for how a loyalty program should be run—transparent, generous, and truly rewarding.
American Airlines AAdvantage
Continuing its legacy as one of the largest loyalty programs worldwide, American Airlines’ AAdvantage remains formidable. Celebrated by AwardFares and The Luxury Travel Expert for its global reach, AAdvantage enables travelers to redeem miles across an expansive array of partner airlines including Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Japan Airlines.
In 2025, AAdvantage introduces enticing enhancements like lifetime elite status tiers for the most dedicated travelers, simplified qualification requirements, and more flexible redemption options including inflight amenities and lounge access. Coupled with its exclusive partnership with Citibank for co-branded credit cards, American Airlines maintains a robust program, particularly for travelers frequenting major international hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia.
United MileagePlus
United Airlines’ MileagePlus remains a compelling choice for globe-trotters. United’s vast international network, bolstered by its Star Alliance partnerships with Lufthansa, ANA, and Singapore Airlines, provides near-limitless travel opportunities across all continents. United also garners high praise from The Luxury Travel Expert and AwardFares for its attractive redemption rates on partner airlines.
This year, United ups the ante by rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi onboard, complimentary for MileagePlus members. Additionally, the introduction of flexible redemption methods for elite “PlusPoints,” increased earning potential on co-branded credit cards, and expanded dynamic pricing for rewards provide travelers with abundant value. United’s strongholds in major U.S. hubs—Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco—position MileagePlus as a top choice for international flyers.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Flying Blue, shared by Air France and KLM, shines brightest among European frequent flyer programs. Known for excellent promotional rewards each month, Flying Blue often offers dramatically discounted award flights to coveted destinations like Bangkok, Dubai, and Vancouver. With partners Delta, Korean Air, and now SAS Airlines, this program is ideal for travelers seeking a broad global reach, especially within Europe, North America, and Asia.
The unique “Miles Subscription” plan, which allows travelers to regularly top up their points through monthly payments, provides an accessible entry point for newcomers to the loyalty game. Despite recent mileage adjustments, Flying Blue remains particularly attractive due to enhanced availability of reward seats and versatile redemption options beyond airfare, such as hotel stays and rental cars.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
With an enviable global route network and uniquely low award redemption rates within the Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles is making a strong case for frequent flyers looking for more exotic locales. Expert travelers frequently praise this program’s clarity, consistency, and rewarding elite perks like two-year validity of frequent flyer status, family miles pooling, and discounted companion tickets.
Miles&Smiles continues to innovate, introducing flexible, dynamic pricing for popular routes and expanded partnerships outside the Star Alliance, making awards more accessible. The complimentary Istanbul stopover adds further allure, allowing travelers to experience Turkey’s rich culture and history on route to other international destinations.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
For flyers frequently crossing the Atlantic, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club emerges as a standout. Leveraging its partnership with Delta and newly formed alliances with Air France-KLM and TAP Portugal, this program offers excellent reward redemption rates and impressive elite status benefits. Members enjoy easy upgrades, generous partner award availability, and increased frequencies on popular routes such as London to Barbados.
New routes to exciting destinations including Accra and Riyadh add even more compelling reasons to choose Virgin Atlantic. For travelers seeking consistent luxury and service excellence across the Atlantic and beyond, Flying Club is an ideal loyalty program.
SAS EuroBonus
The Scandinavian carrier’s entry into SkyTeam has revitalized its EuroBonus loyalty program. Travelers in Northern Europe particularly benefit from robust regional connections and attractive redemption options, including SAS Business and SAS Plus upgrades via companion vouchers and Mastercard partnerships. EuroBonus enhances its appeal further through seamless integration with new SkyTeam partners, including Delta and Air France-KLM, offering smoother connections throughout Scandinavia and globally.
SAS’ commitment to sustainability rewards eco-conscious travelers with bonus miles for greener travel choices. Combined with digital enhancements to the SAS mobile app, EuroBonus emerges as a sophisticated, modern choice for travelers exploring Scandinavia and beyond.
HawaiianMiles
Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles excels in delivering top-tier value for flights to and from the Hawaiian Islands and key destinations in Asia and the South Pacific. Particularly praised by WalletHub for reward value and membership status perks, HawaiianMiles members benefit from generous availability and practical redemption options.
This program stands out for families due to straightforward miles accumulation via daily purchases and appealing redemption rates for flights, car rentals, and island accommodations. Hawaiian Airlines ensures paradise is not just a destination but an accessible luxury.
Korean Air SkyPass
Often overlooked yet highly valuable, Korean Air’s SkyPass provides unmatched access to premium seats, including plentiful First Class availability. Strongly positioned within the SkyTeam alliance, SkyPass offers rewarding partnerships with airlines such as Etihad, Emirates, and Hawaiian Airlines.
A user-friendly family pooling system, seamless online award bookings with SkyTeam carriers, and regular promotions enhance SkyPass’s appeal for travelers journeying frequently through Asia-Pacific. Although elite status requirements are substantial, the benefits, including priority treatment and exceptional lounge access, justify the investment for frequent Asian travelers.
British Airways Executive Club
Despite recent shifts toward revenue-based earning, British Airways Executive Club remains appealing due to its unique strengths. Primarily attractive for travelers frequently flying between Europe, North America, and key global business hubs, the program allows for easy pooling of Avios miles within families, rewarding loyalty with accessible tier qualifications.
Particularly advantageous redemptions on short-haul flights within Europe and select transatlantic routes through Aer Lingus further sweeten the deal. Though fuel surcharges remain high, the ease of acquiring and utilizing Avios points keeps this program appealing for savvy, regular international travelers.
Selecting the perfect airline rewards program in 2025-2026 depends on your personal travel style, preferred destinations, and spending habits. Whether your next adventure involves lush Polynesian islands, cosmopolitan European capitals, or dynamic Asian megacities, aligning your travel goals with one of these expertly curated loyalty programs will make your journey richer, smoother, and decidedly more rewarding.