TPG Readers' Favorite Loyalty Programs That No Longer Exist
We recently asked our TPG Lounge readers to reveal their favorite loyalty program that no longer exists. Not surprisingly, many of them mentioned Starwood Preferred Guest's former rewards system as their number one, while others mentioned how Virgin America Elevate was the program they swore by. Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Airline Rewards Programs You Miss Dearly
From oldies-but-goodies like TWA and Pan Am to other lesser-known airlines like Midwest Express and Republic Airlines, these are the airline rewards programs you miss the most.
"Midwest Express Airlines. Their headquarters was in Milwaukee, free drinks and meals in China, and first-class seats throughout the cabin!" — Robin S.B.
"America West Airlines. Great redemption. Freddie award winner for years." — John H.
"My first, the Piedmont Frequent Flyer Bonus Program. I spent 25,000 miles for a round-trip ticket to Los Angeles (LAX) and paid 60 bucks to sit in F from Charlotte (CLT) to LAX on a 767-200." — Marshall J.
"SPG's points were like gold coins. That and Continental Airlines OnePass." — Jeff R.
"I still have my TWA card!" — Cheryl F.M.
"Republic Airlines. 20,000 miles per free round-trip anywhere they went." — Kevin S.
"Pan Am, consistently upgraded me as a frequent customer. Flew all over the world with them in mostly 747s." — Frank I.
"I was (am?) a Lifetime Clipper Club Member and virtually always got upgraded when I was flying to Europe from the East Coast. How I miss Pan Am." — Steve M.
"The American Airlines AAdvantage program, since it’s now virtually worthless to me. Thanks Dougie." — Carry B.
"AirTran A+ Rewards. Such a simple program and you could use two credits to upgrade to first class on any flight." — Jack V.
"TWA. For all those times I got credit for flying to BAL (in Turkey) when the airport was actually BWI (Baltimore)." — Jon W.
"Northwest WorldPerks. I was always able to find 25,000-mile flights back to my home in the Midwest. Plus, even as a Silver Elite, I would regularly get upgraded on my domestic flights." — Scott K.
"US Airways. When I was working, I did almost weekly shuttle flights to Boston (BOS) or Washington, DC (DCA), from New York (LGA). Loved the pre-9/11 days when you could arrive at the last-minute and just hop on the plane." — Meg G.
"Not a whole program, but I was really bummed that United removed the 10,000-mile spending bonus on the credit card. We’re not frequent travelers but we’re frequent spenders, so that was a great benefit for us!" — Jean L.
"US Airways Dividend Miles." — Evan B.
"AirTran A+Rewards was my first and fave!" — Randi S.L.
"PanAm in the 80s. If I recall correctly, I scored two first-class tickets to Greece for 80,000 miles, perhaps 160,000. Also, triple-the-miles promotions on United and PanAm during the early days of mileage programs." — Mike M.
"Virgin America Elevate. The airline flew all of the places I needed to go and getting status was a snap with the cobranded Visa card." — Brian C.
"Airberlin Topbonus [gave you] Oneworld Emerald and Etihad Platinum status with $100,000 credit card spend, including two upgrade vouchers and 100,000 miles for the spend. 25,000 miles could be used for upgrades of the cheapest tickets, like $500 round-trip from Germany to the US, to transatlantic business class. No other program had access to more first-class lounges and free hot pre-order meals on all flights over one hour. RIP." — Mathias W.H.
"Northwest WorldPerks. I wasn’t aware enough at the time to really compare it to other programs but I remember booking an 80,000 mile round-trip business-class fare from Detroit to Italy. It spoiled me and ruined economy class forever, so it has a special place in my heart." — Mark C.
"US Airways was so good with the frequent flyer flights. I was upgraded several times and they always found me a flight with miles. I was loyal until the end." — Terri G.
Your Favorite Former Hotel Loyalty Programs
For several TPG Lounge readers, it was all about the hotels. Here's a look at some of their favorite now-defunct loyalty programs — and one close to many readers' hearts that will never be the same.
"Fairmont. The credit card offered two free nights and annual certificates for a third night free that could be stacked with suite upgrade certificates and the Citi Prestige 4th Night Free perk." — Family T.P.
"SPG. Marriott has ruined it." — Curtis B.
"Another vote for SPG. This Marriott merger has been awful." — Gloria L.
"The Marriott/SPG merger has opened up a lot of new property options everywhere, especially in small cities, but I'm not feeling as appreciated as a nine-year Platinum Elite. Can’t wait to hit Platinum Elite for life at the end of 2019 and start looking for unique, boutique, upscale properties for new experiences." — Mary K.
"It was SPG. Now I don't know if I care." — Ted C.
Other Rewards Programs You Want Back
Last but not least, two TPG Lounge members gave special shout-outs to two worthy non-points rewards programs, brought to you by Bing and Subway.
"Microsoft Bing 50% cash back on any eBay items (Gift cards)." — Jeffrey C.
"Subway stamp cards. So many free foot-longs." — Chris T.
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.