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U.S. News Unveils 2025-2026 Best Travel Rewards Programs

U.S. News & World Report has announced its rankings for the 2025-2026 Best Travel Rewards Programs, aimed at guiding vacationers toward the most beneficial loyalty programs. This latest list showcases nine airline and fourteen hotel loyalty programs recognized for their advantageous offerings and accessible ways for customers to accumulate and redeem points.

Top Hotel Rewards Programs

In the hotel category, Choice Privileges has risen to the No. 1 position, a remarkable feat after maintaining a spot in the top five for the last decade. Members of the Choice Privileges program can earn free nights with relative ease, aided significantly by the brand’s recent acquisition of Radisson and its strengthened partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This advancement allows Choice Privileges to cater to diverse needs, featuring options from budget-conscious to luxury accommodations. Additionally, with an elite status achievable after just ten nights, members enjoy valuable perks such as room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout.

Following closely, Wyndham Rewards has moved to the second position, while World of Hyatt secures third place. Both programs continue to impress with their user-friendly systems for obtaining free nights and expansive hotel networks globally.

Best Airline Rewards Programs

For the airline industry, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan holds strong at the top, marking an 11th consecutive year in the No. 1 spot for Best Airline Rewards Programs. This program is distinguished by its awarding points based on actual miles flown, rather than expenditure, making elite status more accessible regardless of ticket costs. First-tier elite members enjoy advantages such as complimentary upgrades, free checked bags, and the option for same-day flight changes. Furthermore, their association with the oneworld Alliance grants travelers expanded reach and additional perks across a multitude of airlines.

United MileagePlus now sits at No. 2, climbing from its previous rank, with American Airlines AAdvantage coming in at No. 3. Both programs benefit from robust flight networks and high volume, resulting in solid overall scores in the program evaluations.

Elizabeth Von Tersch, U.S. News' senior travel editor, comments, "In light of significant shifts in travel reward policies over recent years, travelers are diligently comparing program benefits to ensure their expenditures yield significant rewards. As these systems rapidly evolve, our rankings serve as a crucial resource to assist customers in making astute decisions regarding travel programs."

Methodology Behind Rankings

The analysis for the 2025-2026 Best Travel Rewards Programs utilized a thorough methodology, incorporating criteria such as membership benefits, network reach, and the simplicity of earning and redeeming points or miles. The approach also considers the diversity amongst hotel properties and the quality of airlines in the rankings.

Most notably, changes in data collection processes were implemented to reflect the purchasing behaviors of average consumers more accurately. For airlines, the latest metrics from the Bureau of Transportation for on-time arrivals, lost baggage instances, and customer complaints were factored into the Airline Quality scores, ensuring a current and comprehensive assessment.

Rankings Summary

• - Hotel Rewards Programs

1. Choice Privileges
2. Wyndham Rewards
3. World of Hyatt
4. Marriott Bonvoy
5. IHG One Rewards

• - Airline Rewards Programs

1. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
2. United MileagePlus
3. American Airlines AAdvantage
4. Delta SkyMiles
5. JetBlue TrueBlue

For further insights into the Best Travel Rewards Programs, be sure to connect with U.S. News on social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, using the hashtag #BestRewards.

About U.S. News & World Report

As a leading journalism entity committed to empowering individuals through relevant information, U.S. News & World Report has been a trusted resource in various areas including education, health, finance, and travel for over 90 years. The organization dedicates itself to providing transparent rankings, independent analysis, and actionable consumer advice to millions each month via USNews.com.