How we chose the best airline loyalty program
Every year, the TPG Awards honor excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to read more about our winner selection process and methodology for the 2024 TPG Awards.
The TPG Awards have honored the top travel brands, credit cards and loyalty programs since 2018. But this year, we've taken a new approach to several of the honors, leveraging data to select the winners of five awards.
For the first time ever, we used objective data to recognize the Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program, including how you earn and redeem rewards, what elite status benefits you can enjoy and just how far a program can take you across the globe — through both its own network and via airline partnerships.
The six finalists for this award were:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Delta SkyMiles
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- United MileagePlus
It was a close battle between the top four programs, but only one winner could rise to the top in this year's TPG Awards.
And the winner is ... American Airlines AAdvantage.
Here's a closer look at our methodology and how AAdvantage won the Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program award.
Our methodology
We scored these six major airline loyalty programs across four categories:
- Footprint: This was a combination of domestic airports served by the airline operating the program and the number of partner airlines in the program.
- Earning: This analyzed the earning rates across a carrier's suite of cobranded credit cards, as well as what you earn for every dollar spent on flights with said airline. It also considered nonflying earning partners, including transferable credit card currencies, vacation packages, cruises, experiences, car rentals, transportation providers, shopping and dining.
- Redeeming: This was a combination of each currency's value in TPG's November 2024 valuations (all six programs have been data-backed for more than a year) and the cost of the lowest domestic redemption rate available when searching across the program network, using handy internal tools like calendar views along with external tools like Seats.aero.
- Benefits: The final category focused on each airline's elite status offerings. Half of this involved how attainable these tiers are through spending various amounts on flights and cobranded credit cards. The other half analyzed elite status perks for each program, including advance upgrades, complimentary seat selection, baggage allowances and the benefits when flying on partner airlines.
All raw data was converted into a scaled score from zero to 10 and then weighted according to our proprietary formula, with each category making up 25% of the final score.
Related: Best airline credit cards
With a total score out of 100, the final rankings were as follows:
1. American Airlines AAdvantage: 70.98
2. United MileagePlus: 69.47
3. Delta SkyMiles: 63.29
4. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: 62.02
5. Southwest Rapid Rewards: 52.68
6. JetBlue TrueBlue: 49.02
Why American Airlines AAdvantage won
American Airlines AAdvantage just edged out United MileagePlus, while Delta SkyMiles took third, just ahead of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
American flies to more domestic airports than any other U.S. airline, with an impressive 225 destinations served, according to the October 2024 Air Travel Consumer Report. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier also scored highly in the number of airline partners it has as a member of the Oneworld alliance, which includes British Airways, Qantas, Iberia and Cathay Pacific, as well as notable nonalliance airline partners like Etihad Airways and Hawaiian Airlines.
Using our data-backed monthly valuations, TPG values AAdvantage miles slightly higher than other U.S. airline currencies. The program's decision to retain a generous award chart for partner-operated redemptions has long made AAdvantage miles valuable. Not to mention, domestic flights start from just 5,000 AAdvantage miles. While this is not the lowest rate in the category, it is still a great deal for redeeming miles that are easy to earn.
AAdvantage particularly shone with its top-tier status perks for its AAdvantage Executive Platinum members. This status (equivalent to Oneworld Emerald) gives first-class lounge access at Oneworld lounges, including the excellent Qantas first lounges at Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Sydney Airport (SYD) and the stunning Pier first-class lounge operated by Cathay Pacific at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). These partner lounge benefits outweighed all other programs' top-tier perks except Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan's MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K, which also offer Oneworld Emerald status.
Related: TPG readers’ favorite airport lounges around the world
Other notable items from our analysis
Southwest and JetBlue's absence of membership in a global alliance hurt their scoring in the footprint category. While Southwest's business model has not been to partner with other airlines, we hope to see JetBlue increase its airline partners as it competes with larger airlines in the U.S.
It's worth noting that the TrueBlue program took top marks in the earning categories, with high rewards on its cobranded cards and the carrier's base earning rate of 6 points per dollar spent on flights (the latter of which tied with Southwest).
And what Southwest lacks in airline partners, it makes up for in how domestic award rates go. We found seats as low as 2,025 Rapid Rewards points, an astonishingly low rate for a domestic flight and less than half the cheapest price of the "Big Three" carriers (American, Delta and United). JetBlue was a close second here, with rates starting at just 3,600 TrueBlue points.
Bottom line
In a close contest, American Airlines' AAdvantage program narrowly beat United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles to win the Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program award at the 2024 TPG Awards.
Despite switches to dynamic pricing, increasing elite status spending requirements and devaluations of some of our favorite sweet spots, the AAdvantage program remains impressive in the ever-changing loyalty landscape.
As one of the world's largest airlines and a Oneworld alliance member, it allows members to easily earn and redeem miles at often attractive rates and provides many benefits for top-tier elite members.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.