{"id":283709,"date":"2023-04-13T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.www.smartertravel.com\/?p=283709"},"modified":"2023-04-13T10:29:17","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T14:29:17","slug":"the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Frequent Flier Programs for 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Savvy travelers know the value of a good airline loyalty program. With perks like airport lounge access, seat upgrades, and free or discounted travel, it pays to rack up those frequent flier miles. <a href=\"https:\/\/wallethub.com\/edu\/best-frequent-flyer-program\/25943\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WalletHub<\/a> recently released their annual study ranking the best frequent flier programs to help travelers decide which airline best meets their needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading\" id=\"h-the-best-frequent-flier-programs-for-2023\">The Best Frequent Flier Programs for 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/AdobeStock_173995144-1024x681.jpeg\" alt=\"Woman walking towards plane on tarmac\" class=\"wp-image-448677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stmllc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/AdobeStock_173995144-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/stmllc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/AdobeStock_173995144-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/stmllc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/AdobeStock_173995144-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/stmllc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/AdobeStock_173995144-1536x1022.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/stmllc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/AdobeStock_173995144-2048x1363.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/stmllc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/AdobeStock_173995144-375x250.jpeg 375w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"stia-image-attribute\">vladteodor | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>WalletHub compared ten major domestic carriers using 21 key metrics\u2014such as number of international destinations, earning limits, and booking blackout dates\u2014factoring in the travel needs and budgets of light, average, and frequent fliers. Use WalletHub\u2019s <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/wallethub.com\/edu\/best-frequent-flyer-program\/25943#calculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frequent Flier Miles<\/a> calculator to get a personalized recommendation on what frequent flier program best suits your travel style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table>\n<thead><tr>\n<th><strong>Rank<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Airline<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Program Name<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Do Miles Expire?<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>United Airlines<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/en\/us\/fly\/mileageplus.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MileagePlus<\/a><\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>Alaska Airlines<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskaair.com\/content\/mileage-plan?semid=Google%7c%7cSEMMP%7c%7c&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw27mhBhC9ARIsAIFsETEEjsU8GGUAHjkG6RXoR3_CBAmJ1mbAa_K_DSf_6_wSp66wm4_y0JkaAk3bEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mileage Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>Delta Airlines<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/skymiles\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SkyMiles<\/a><\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>Hawaiian Airlines<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/skymiles\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HawaiianMiles<\/a><\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>American Airlines<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/skymiles\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAdvantage<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading\" id=\"h-united-airlines-mileageplus\">United Airlines: MileagePlus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>United Airlines\u2019 MileagePlus overtook Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan to become the best frequent flier program for 2023. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/en\/us\/fly\/mileageplus.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mileage Plus<\/a> offers the most award destinations of any reward program and <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/ual\/en\/us\/fly\/mileageplus\/premier.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MileagePlus Premier<\/a> members have access to even more perks, such as seat upgrades and complimentary baggage check. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/en\/us\/fly\/mileageplus.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"related single cf\">\n<h3 class=\"related-title\">Related:<\/h3>\n<span class=\"related-item\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-flight-booking-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 14 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading\" id=\"h-alaska-airlines-mileage-plan\">Alaska Airlines: Mileage Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Award travel with Alaska Airlines\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskaair.com\/content\/mileage-plan?semid=Google%7c%7cSEMMP%7c%7c&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw27mhBhC9ARIsAIFsETEEjsU8GGUAHjkG6RXoR3_CBAmJ1mbAa_K_DSf_6_wSp66wm4_y0JkaAk3bEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mileage Plan<\/a> starts at 5,000 miles, and members earn up to 30% more miles on their travel than with competitor programs. Earn miles by flying Alaska Airlines (one mile earned for every mile flown), booking with one of their travel partners, or shopping with an Alaska Airlines credit card. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alaskaair.com\/content\/mileage-plan?semid=Google%7c%7cSEMMP%7c%7c&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw27mhBhC9ARIsAIFsETEEjsU8GGUAHjkG6RXoR3_CBAmJ1mbAa_K_DSf_6_wSp66wm4_y0JkaAk3bEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading\" id=\"h-delta-air-lines-skymiles\">Delta Air Lines: SkyMiles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/skymiles\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SkyMiles<\/a> are earned with every Delta flight at the Main Cabin level or higher, by booking with a SkyMiles partner, or by making purchases with a SkyMiles American Express card. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/joinskymiles\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading\" id=\"h-hawaiian-airlines-hawaiianmiles\">Hawaiian Airlines: HawaiianMiles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hawaiianairlines.com\/hawaiianmiles2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HawaiianMiles<\/a> can be earned by flying Hawaiian, shopping with a Hawaiian Airlines credit card, or booking with one of Hawaiian\u2019s airline, hotel, car rental, or shopping\/dining partners. Miles can also be purchased, with a limit of 30,000 miles. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hawaiianairlines.com\/hawaiianmiles2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"related single cf\">\n<h3 class=\"related-title\">Related:<\/h3>\n<span class=\"related-item\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/rights-youre-bumped\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Are Your Rights If You\u2019re Involuntarily Bumped?<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"heading\" id=\"h-american-airlines-aadvantage\">American Airlines: AAdvantage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com\/i18n\/aadvantage-program\/aadvantage-program.jsp\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAdvantage<\/a> recently introduced a rewards level below Gold, with membership starting at just 15,000 miles and including perks like guaranteed group five boarding, preferred seat coupons, and priority privileges. Earn miles by flying American, booking with airline partners, or signing up for an AAdvantage credit card. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com\/loyalty\/enrollment\/enroll\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Savvy travelers know the value of a good airline loyalty program. With perks like airport lounge access, seat upgrades, and free or discounted travel, it pays to rack up those frequent flier miles. WalletHub recently released their annual study ranking the best frequent flier programs to help travelers decide which airline best meets their needs.&nbsp; [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3016,"featured_media":448679,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"stpt_category":2206,"stpt_post_tag":0,"stpt_st_article_types":0,"stpt_st_travel_types":0,"stpt_st_campaign":0,"stpt_st_providers":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"2019-03-01T17:11:30Z","apple_news_api_id":"6e64abe6-f580-4a35-819e-aff5e6786cda","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2019-03-01T19:42:03Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AbmSr5vWASjWBnq_15nhs2g","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"middle","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":"[\"https:\\\/\\\/news-api.apple.com\\\/sections\\\/ef387a4f-36f7-4c29-8f80-3dad3afa70f7\",\"https:\\\/\\\/news-api.apple.com\\\/sections\\\/1fc266be-0fea-4c8c-8216-80bf384133c0\",\"https:\\\/\\\/news-api.apple.com\\\/sections\\\/fdfd5395-0315-486d-ba52-524f5d50daed\"]","apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false},"categories":[2206,3727,2185,4363],"tags":[2192,2193,2186],"smartertravel_exclude_from":[],"st_article_types":[3475],"st_travel_types":[2183],"st_providers":[],"audience-tags":[185531],"destination":[],"departure":[],"all_publish_dates":["2019-03-01","2023-04-13"],"apple_news_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AdobeStock_210716488-scaled.jpeg","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.9.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The 5 Best Frequent Flier Programs of 2023 | SmarterTravel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"These top five frequent flier loyalty programs reward travelers with seat upgrades, lounge access, and other travel perks.\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The 5 Best Frequent Flier Programs of 2023 | SmarterTravel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"These top five frequent flier loyalty programs reward travelers with seat upgrades, lounge access, and other travel perks.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SmarterTravel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smartertravel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-04-13T14:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-04-13T14:29:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AdobeStock_210716488-1200x627.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"627\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@smartertravel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@smartertravel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\">\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"2 minutes\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/\",\"name\":\"SmarterTravel\",\"description\":\"The Best Trips Start Here\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/?s={search_term_string}\",\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AdobeStock_210716488-scaled.jpeg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1475,\"caption\":\"Airplane wing as seen from airplane window mid-flight\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/\",\"name\":\"The 5 Best Frequent Flier Programs of 2023 | SmarterTravel\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-04-13T14:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-04-13T14:29:17+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/#\/schema\/person\/2a30e8448b0bd4b6871df9204f204ded\"},\"description\":\"These top five frequent flier loyalty programs reward travelers with seat upgrades, lounge access, and other travel perks.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"item\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/\",\"name\":\"Home\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"item\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked\/\",\"name\":\"The Best Frequent Flier Programs for 2023\"}}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/#\/schema\/person\/2a30e8448b0bd4b6871df9204f204ded\",\"name\":\"Carol McPherson\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/carol-mcpherson-headshot-96x96.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Carol McPherson\"},\"description\":\"Carol McPherson is an Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @cj_mcpherson. A member of SmarterTravel since 2019, Carol is an eco-friendly travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring historical sites and trying new things (especially new foods!) She\\u2019s lived in Boston and Rome, and hopes to call more cities home in the future. The Handy Item I Always Pack: \\u201cNoise cancelling headphones. I can handle a flight of any length if I have my headphones and a good podcast.\\u201d Ultimate Bucket List Experience: \\\"Hiking trip in New Zealand.\\\" Travel Motto: \\u201cYou never know until you try!\\u201d Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: \\u201cAisle for long-haul flights, window for short. Does anyone pick middle?\\u201d\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"SmarterTravel","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com","push-errors":false,"title_newsletter":{"rendered":"The 5 Best Frequent Flier Programs of 2023"},"excerpt_newsletter":{"rendered":"<p>Get rewarded for your next trip with these top frequent flier programs for 2023.<\/p>","protected":false},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283709"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3016"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=283709"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283709\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/448679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=283709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"smartertravel_exclude_from","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/smartertravel_exclude_from?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"st_article_types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/st_article_types?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"st_travel_types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/st_travel_types?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"st_providers","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/st_providers?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"audience-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience-tags?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"destination","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destination?post=283709"},{"taxonomy":"departure","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/departure?post=283709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}