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
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.