Contrary to popular belief, earning airlines miles isn’t as difficult as it seems.
Time
United Airlines, British Airways and Singapore Airlines took home three of the coveted Best Reward Program categories in the eighth annual FlyerTalk Awards, announced Monday.
The awards were voted on by members of FlyerTalk, a popular online community devoted to frequent-traveler interests. In addition to airlines, hotel and rental-car loyalty programs also were scored.
United and Singapore Airlines were first-time winners. United’s MileagePlus frequent-flyer program ended a two-year run at the top of the Americas category by Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan program. Prior to Alaska’s win in 2017, American had dominated the category, taking the top spot every year since the FlyerTalk Awards began in 2012 through 2016.
For the Middle East/Asia/Oceana region, Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program unseated Qatar Airways and its Privilege Club program that had claimed the title for the past two years.
British Airways was a repeat winner, winning the best program title for the Europe/Africa region for the eighth consecutive time.
(Scroll down for the full list of categories and winners.)
The Best Reward Program wins were the first for both United and Singapore.
“It’s hard to believe, but MileagePlus had never won a FlyerTalk Award for Best Program in any category until now,” Paul O’Brien, FlyerTalk awards producer, said to USA TODAY.
“The real story in Asia is Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer,” he added. “Some FlyerTalkers have speculated that KrisFlyer’s newfound popularity might have something to do with the blockbuster 2018 movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’”
Hilton sweeps hotel awards
Another big shakeup came on the hotel front, where Hilton swept all six hotel categories.
“This is a huge win for Hilton, as this is the first year in the history of the FlyerTalk Awards that Hilton won for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Americas, as well as its first win for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Middle East/Asia/Oceana category.”
Hilton’s sweep came at the expense of Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), two loyalty programs that operated separately last year but have since been combined under the name “Bonvoy” as part of a merger between the two hotel giants.
“There are multiple theories floating around the FlyerTalk offices as to why Hilton outgunned Marriott and SPG in such a big way,” O’Brien said. “Some think it could be a natural uptick in overall satisfaction with Hilton Honors as Hilton has been on a big advertising binge over the past year. Others think the win is a straight-up rebuke of Marriott/SPG/Bonvoy.”
The big win by Hilton in the latest FlyerTalk Awards could presage a new rivalry with Marriott and its new Bonvoy program in the years to come.
“Regardless of the reason, Hilton certainly earned its honors this year, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing how the program squares off against Bonvoy next year,” O’Brien said.
Marriott International is now offering a slew of new perks for members of its rewards program.
Time
How awards are determined
The FlyerTalk Awards are one of two rankings by big frequent-traveler communities that recognize frequent-flyer and other loyalty programs. They join the long-standing Freddie Awards, now in their 30th year. The Freddies, the most high-profile of the awards for loyalty programs, are set to be unveiled later this year.
For FlyerTalk, voting is open to active FlyerTalk members, known as “FlyerTalkers.” FlyerTalkers may cast one ballot, voting for up to four programs in each category. The votes are weighted, giving more sway to a first-place vote than a second-place vote and so on.
Beyond the Best Rewards Program category that recognizes a company’s overall loyalty scheme, the FlyerTalk Awards also include one other category; the Outstanding Benefit award, which highlights a special promotion or specific perk offered by a loyalty program during the previous year.
For the Americas, United’s complimentary economy plus access for elites was named the Outstanding Benefit for airlines while Hilton’s free breakfast perk won in the hotel category.
If you ever want to fly the friendly skies and be hygienic, listen up! Buzz60’s Mercer Morrison has the story.
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The full list of awards
BEST REWARDS PROGRAM (2019)
Americas
Fly: United Airlines MileagePlus
Stay: Hilton Honors
Drive: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Europe/Africa
Fly: British Airways Executive Club
Stay: Hilton Honors
Drive: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceana
Fly: Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Stay: Hilton Honors
Drive: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
OUTSTANDING BENEFIT (2019)
Americas
Fly: United Airlines MileagePlus (Complimentary access to Economy Plus for all Premier members)
Stay: Hilton Honors (Free breakfast)
Drive: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Ultimate Choice at select airport locations)
Europe/Africa
Fly: British Airways Executive Club (Lounge access)
Stay: Hilton Honors (Free breakfast)
Drive: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Five Star & President’s Circle)
Middle East/Asia/Oceana
Fly: Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club (Lounge access)
Stay: Hilton Honors (Room upgrades)
Drive: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Platinum Elite)
PREVIOUS WINNERS: AMERICAS
Fly – Best Program
2018: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
2017: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
2016: American Airlines AAdvantage
2015: American Airlines AAdvantage
2014: American Airlines AAdvantage
2013: American Airlines AAdvantage
2012: American Airlines AAdvantage
Fly – Outstanding Benefit
2018: American Airlines (oneworld lounge access on international flights)
2017: United Airlines Mileage Plus (Complimentary access to Economy Plus for all Premier members)
2016: American Airlines AAdvantage (Executive Platinum systemwide upgrades)
2015: American Airlines AAdvantage (Executive Platinum systemwide upgrades)
2014: American Airlines AAdvantage (Executive Platinum systemwide upgrades)
2013: American Airlines AAdvantage (Executive Platinum systemwide upgrades)
2012: American Airlines AAdvantage (500-mile and systemwide upgrades)
Stay – Best Program
2018: Starwood Preferred Guest
2017: Starwood Preferred Guest
2016: Starwood Preferred Guest
2015: Starwood Preferred Guest
2014: Starwood Preferred Guest
2013: Starwood Preferred Guest
2012: Starwood Preferred Guest
Stay – Outstanding Benefit
2018: Marriott Rewards (Concierge lounge access and breakfast for two)
2017: Hilton Honors (Free breakfast)
2016: Hilton Honors (Free breakfast)
2015: Starwood Preferred Guest (Platinum room & suite upgrades)
2014: Marriott Rewards (Concierge lounge access)
2013: Club Carlson (Earn 50,000 points per stay promotion)
2012: Starwood Preferred Guest (Suite/room upgrades)
Drive – Best Program
2018: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2017: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2016: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2015: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2014: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2013: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2012: Hertz Gold #1 Club
Drive – Outstanding Benefit
2018: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Ultimate choice)
2017: National Emerald Club (Choice of car/bypassing rental counter)
2016: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2015: National Emerald Club (Choice of car/bypassing rental counter)
2014: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Gold Service)
2013: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Gold Service)
2012: Hertz #1 Club (Gold Service)
PREVIOUS WINNERS: EUROPE/AFRICA
Fly – Best Program
2018: British Airways Executive Club
2017: British Airways Executive Club
2016: British Airways Executive Club
2015: British Airways Executive Club
2014: British Airways Executive Club
2013: British Airways Executive Club
2012: British Airways Executive Club
Fly – Outstanding Benefit
2018: British Airways Executive Club (Reward flight saver)
2017: British Airways Executive Club (Lounge access)
2016: British Airways Executive Club (Lounge access)
2015: British Airways Executive Club (Lounge access)
2014: British Airways Executive Club (Upgrade using Avios)
2013: British Airways Executive Club (Upgrade using Avios)
2012: British Airways Executive Club (MFU/UUA/Avios upgrades)
Stay – Best Program
2018: Hilton Honors
2017: Hilton Honors
2016: Starwood Preferred Guest
2015: Hilton Honors
2014: Starwood Preferred Guest
2013: Starwood Preferred Guest
2012: Hilton Honors
Stay – Outstanding Benefit
2018: Hilton Honors (Free breakfast)
2017: Hilton Honors (Free breakfast)
2016: Hilton Honors(Executive lounge access)
2015: Starwood Preferred Guest (2 for 1 nights/4 for 2 nights)
2014: Hilton Honors (Executive lounge access)
2013: Hilton Honors (Executive lounge access)
2012: Hilton Honors (Complimentary room upgrades)
Drive – Best Program
2018: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2017: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2016: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2015: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2014: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2013: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2012: Hertz #1 Club
Drive – Outstanding Benefit
2018: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Free upgrades)
2017: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Five Star & President’s Circle)
2016: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2015: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Gold Service)
2014: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Gold Service)
2013: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Earn points or exchange for other programs)
2012: Hertz #1 Club (Free upgrades)
PREVIOUS WINNERS: MIDDLE EAST/ASIA/OCEANIA
Fly – Best Program
2018: Qatar Airways Privilege Club
2017: Qatar Airways Privilege Club
2016: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
2015: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
2014: Jet Airways JetPrivilege
2013: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
2012: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Fly – Outstanding Benefit
2018: Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club (Lounge access)
2017: Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Qcredits)
2016: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (Lounge access)
2015: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (Seat guarantees)
2014: Jet Airways Jet Privilege (Cash upgrades on domestic award tickets)
2013: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (Seat guarantees)
2012: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (Seat guarantees for Marco Polo members)
Stay – Best Program
2018: Starwood Preferred Guest
2017: Starwood Preferred Guest
2016: Starwood Preferred Guest
2015: Starwood Preferred Guest
2014: Taj Hotels & Resorts InnerCircle
2013: Starwood Preferred Guest
2012: Starwood Preferred Guest
Stay – Outstanding Benefit
2018: Marriott Rewards (Concierge lounge access and breakfast for two)
2017: Hilton Honors (Free breakfast)
2016: Hilton Honors (Executive lounge access)
2015: Starwood Preferred Guest (Platinum room & suite upgrades)
2014: Taj Hotels & Resorts InnerCircle (Room upgrades)
2013: Hilton Honors (Lounge access)
2013: Hilton Honors (Complimentary room upgrades)
Drive – Best Program
2018: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2017: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2016: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2015: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2014: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2013: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
2012: Hertz #1 Club
Drive – Outstanding Benefit
2018: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Gold Service)
2017: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (5 Star/Presidents Circle)
2016: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Gold Service)
2015: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (Gold Plus Rewards)
2014: No nominated programs
2013: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (5 Star/Presidents Circle)
2012: Hertz #1 Club (Free rental days)
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