A comprehensive look at the most redeemed airline routes in America
A first-class suite to Dubai, overwater villa in the Maldives.
These are some of the most luxurious point redemptions you'll find. Who doesn't want to shower on a plane or wake up to the sunrise in a private overwater suite?
Nevertheless, everyone uses their frequent flyer miles differently. And while premium cabin international flights tend to grab the most attention, many people redeem their points for domestic flights. After all, it's much easier to fly a three-hour hop to Florida than a long-haul international jaunt to the Middle East.
But how many people are actually redeeming their points on a given domestic flight? And how does that compare to other U.S. routes? Well, thanks to first-quarter data from Cirium, we can answer just that.
To estimate the number of award seats on a given flight, Cirium analyzes the Department of Transportation data for domestic revenue tickets and considers those that just include the taxes and fees to be award seats.
Most domestic award tickets include just negligible taxes — usually around $5.60 each way for the TSA passenger fee. So, if the data lists a "total fare" of $5.60, Cirium assumes that it's a one-way award ticket comprised of a $0 base fare and $5.60 in fees.
Note that the data doesn't include any international itineraries, even those with a domestic connection. Say for example you booked an award from Cleveland to London, via New York. The domestic Cleveland to New York segment wouldn't be included since it's connecting to an international segment.
With that out of the way, let's take a look at the findings.
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AA's top redeemed cities are in Colorado, Florida
American's AAdvantage members really seem to like the outdoors.
Between January and March, American operated nearly 240,000 domestic flights. The domestic route with the highest percentage of award tickets was between Miami and Vail/Eagle, with roughly 21% of domestic passengers opting to redeem miles, according to Cirium's assessment.
Across the board, Colorado was a popular mileage destination for AA flyers. The AA route with the second-highest percentage of redemptions was also to Vail (from JFK).
Five of AA's top ten domestic routes were to Colorado. Three of the others were to Florida (Key West, Palm Beach and Sarasota) and two others were to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands (from Dallas and Philadelphia).
It's worth remembering that the pandemic was just taking shape in the first quarter. But even before it came stateside, American's redemptions skewed heavily to outdoor destinations. When the second-quarter data is released, don't be surprised if there's a similar trend as customers might've opted for places with built-in social distancing.
Related: Airlines are flying some unexpected routes during the pandemic. Will they stick around?
Delta, United redemptions were to the outdoors
It wasn't just American flyers seeking the snow and sun. The domestic Delta and United flights with the highest percentage of redemptions skewed heavily to the mountains.
United's San Francisco to Sun Valley route saw the highest percentage of domestic redemptions. The second-highest route on Delta's list was between Minneapolis and Steamboat Springs.
Colorado once again stole the show, though. Four of the Delta domestic routes with the highest rates of awards were to the Centennial State. United MileagePlus members also hit the slopes, but they were a bit more spread out. Sun Valley and Jackson both appeared on UA's top ten routes for domestic redemptions in the first quarter.
Outdoor destinations may once again top the list when the second-quarter data is released. Even though January, February and March are three of the best months for skiing and snowboarding, the pandemic has caused travelers to stick to open-air activities.
It'll also be interesting to compare the redemption rate on a given route from the first to the second quarter. As airlines looked to incentivize people to take to the skies, many flyers might have opted to use cash and save points for later.
Related: United Airlines adds 17 routes to Florida, bypassing hubs in pandemic route-map shakeup
Southwest sent Rapid Rewards members to Florida, Hawaii
Southwest made a splash when it first started flying to Hawaii. Loyal Southwest flyers have clearly been saving up their Rapid Rewards for some time on the islands.
In the first quarter, six of the top ten Southwest routes with the highest redemption percentages were to 50th State. The other four? To Florida.
Interestingly, unlike the Big 3 carriers, Southwest redemptions focused on sun-soaked destinations. With Hawaii largely closed (sans 14-day quarantine) in the second quarter, Southwest redemptions might've continued to focus on sunny, outdoor cities.
In later months, the rankings may shift. The Dallas-based airline is gearing up to add four new destinations by the end of 2020: Miami, Montrose, Palm Springs and Steamboat Springs. Perhaps the two Colorado ski destinations will make the top ten list by next year.
Related: Southwest CEO Gary Kelly chats about his legacy, new cities and change fees
Top Alaska redemptions were for intra-state flights
Alaska Airlines has a unique route map.
The Seattle-based carrier flies to a host of destinations in the Lower 48, but it's named after the Last Frontier for good reason. Of the major U.S. airlines, Alaska is the strongest in — you guessed it — Alaska.
Even in the middle of winter, seven of the ten routes with the highest proportion of award redemptions were intra-Alaska. Two more were to or from the state — Seattle to Ketchikan topped the list in the first quarter.
And surprisingly, just one route was to a warm destination — Anchorage to Maui was the airline's fifth-highest on the list.
Related: How to redeem miles with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Bottom line
If you redeemed points to fly to Colorado earlier this year, you're not alone.
Across the largest U.S. carriers, flights to the Rockies were some of the most popular mileage redemptions in the first quarter. Florida and Hawaii were top destinations for Rapid Rewards members. And even though the first quarter marked the dead of winter, intra-Alaska flights were most popular with Mileage Plan redemptions.
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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.