Top frequent flyer programs to maximize your miles in 2025

Yahoo! News - Apr 9th, 2025
Open on Yahoo! News

WalletHub's recent study evaluates the frequent flyer programs of the 10 largest domestic airlines based on 21 metrics, including reward value, destination coverage, and mile expiration policies. Alaska Airlines topped the overall rankings, followed by United, Delta, Hawaiian, and American Airlines. Notably, Hawaiian Airlines offers the best rewards value at $12.55 per $100 spent. The study also highlights that only three airlines—JetBlue, Spirit, and Hawaiian—have increased their reward value in 2025 compared to 2024.

The implications of this study are significant for travelers aiming to maximize their travel rewards benefits. The study provides a frequent flyer miles calculator to help travelers identify the best program based on their annual airfare budget. It also notes that some programs, like Delta's, are praised for excellent customer service, while others excel in different areas, such as international coverage or rewards value. The evolving role of technology and AI in personalizing these programs is highlighted, suggesting that future trends will focus on tailoring benefits to individual travel behaviors.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a well-structured and informative overview of frequent flyer programs, offering valuable insights for travelers looking to maximize their rewards. Its strengths lie in clarity, timeliness, and public interest, as it addresses a current and relevant topic with clear language and practical information. However, the article would benefit from enhanced source quality and transparency, as it relies heavily on a single study without detailed methodology or additional expert opinions. While it presents a positive view of frequent flyer programs, it lacks balance and critical perspectives, which could limit its impact and engagement potential. Overall, the article serves as a useful guide for travelers but could be improved with more comprehensive data and diverse viewpoints.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article provides a comprehensive overview of frequent flyer programs, referencing a study by WalletHub. The factual claims about the rankings and metrics used in the study are presented clearly, but there are areas that require verification, such as the specific metrics WalletHub used and the methodology behind the rankings. The article claims that Hawaiian Airlines offers the best rewards value, but it does not provide the calculations or sources for these values. Additionally, the claim about Delta Airlines' customer service being superior needs supporting evidence from customer surveys or feedback. While the article is generally accurate, these gaps in verifiability slightly reduce its score.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the benefits and rankings of frequent flyer programs, which may lead to an imbalance in perspective. It highlights the advantages of specific airlines without delving into potential drawbacks or criticisms of these programs. For instance, while Delta Airlines is praised for its customer service, there is no mention of any negative experiences or limitations of their program. Additionally, the article does not provide perspectives from frequent travelers or industry experts, which could offer a more balanced view. Overall, the article leans towards a positive portrayal of the programs without exploring alternative viewpoints.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey information about the frequent flyer programs. It logically presents the rankings and key features of each program, making it easy for readers to follow. The use of subheadings and bullet points helps organize the content and enhances readability. However, the article could benefit from a more detailed explanation of certain terms, such as 'reward value,' to ensure all readers understand the concepts discussed. Overall, the article is clear and concise, with minor improvements needed for complete clarity.

5
Source quality

The article references WalletHub's study as a primary source, which is a credible organization known for financial analysis. However, it lacks additional sources or expert opinions to corroborate the findings. The absence of direct quotes or interviews with industry experts or frequent travelers limits the depth of the article. The reliance on a single study for the entire analysis raises concerns about the diversity and robustness of the information presented. To improve source quality, the article could benefit from incorporating a wider range of sources and expert insights.

6
Transparency

The article provides some level of transparency by mentioning WalletHub's study and its metrics, but it falls short in explaining the methodology behind the rankings. There is no detailed explanation of how the reward values were calculated or how the airlines were evaluated. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as affiliations with the airlines mentioned. Greater transparency in the methodology and any potential biases would enhance the credibility of the article.

Sources

  1. https://blog.awardfares.com/frequent-flyer-programs-2025/
  2. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/major-us-airlines-have-top-frequent-flyer-programs-study
  3. https://www.smartertravel.com/the-best-frequent-flyer-programs-ranked/
  4. https://boardingarea.com/the-top-rewards-programs-for-frequent-flyers-in-2025/
  5. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-loyalty-program-reviews