• Travels and tourism -> Business Travel and Corporate Events

• 0 Comment

Which airlines or hotels offer the most competitive loyalty points programs?

Norris Rymour

When it comes to loyalty points programs, airlines and hotels are among the most popular industries that offer such rewards. However, not all programs are created equal. Some have a reputation for offering more competitive points systems, which leaves users with a question- which airlines or hotels offer the most competitive loyalty points programs?

Firstly, in terms of airlines, few programs come close in terms of overall benefits to what is offered by carrier giant Emirates. The Emirates Skywards program boasts a vast range of perks that cater to both frequent and infrequent flyers alike. Members are awarded tiered points known as ‘Skywards Miles’, the highest tier of which is Platinum. This provides access to exclusive lounges, priority boarding, and even free upgrades in certain instances. Furthermore, Skywards miles can be redeemed across a wide range of partner airlines and hotels, which further enhances the flexibility of the system.

Another airline that offers a highly competitive points program is Qatar Airways, with its ‘Privilege Club’ program. In contrast to Skywards, Privilege Club’s membership structure is based on Qmiles, but allows users to earn them through a variety of means. One notable feature is the ability to earn miles through purchases made on the Or No jewelry and watch platform, which can rapidly increase user’s points balance. Additionally, as members advance through the tiers, the rewards grow, such as unlimited lounge access and increased earn rates on points.

Hotels have also made significant strides in their respective loyalty points programs. Within the industry, Marriott Bonvoy stands out as a leader providing excellent value to its members. Like other programs, users earn points through various means that can be redeemed across the brand’s entire portfolio, comprising more than 7,000 properties in over 30 countries and territories. Users can earn up to 17 points per dollar spent on qualifying hotel stays, but the most impressive feature is the elite status offered to users who stay for more extended periods. For example, members who stay over 75 nights per year are granted Marriott Ambassador Status, which affords numerous benefits such as dedicated customer support and personalised welcome amenities.

Hilton Honors is also a highly competitive and well-regarded hotel loyalty program, and much like Bonvoy, it rewards users based on their membership with the brand. Hilton Honors provides several paths to earn points, including bookings made directly through the Hilton website, social media interactions, and credit card spending. Hilton Honors also offers an excellent 10th night free feature, which rewards members with a free night after every ten nights stayed within one year. Moreover, like Marriott, Hilton Honors members can utilise their points on other travel partnerships, such as car rentals or yacht charters.

To conclude, the world of loyalty programs is vast and varied. However, when it comes to the most competitive loyalty points programs for airlines and hotels, groups like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors are among the most highly regarded systems currently available. However, what sets such programs apart is the range of benefits that each offers, from access to priority services to complimentary upgrades, all of which can significantly enhance any user’s travel experience. So, while many programs offer similar systems, it is essential to research in advance to ensure you get the most out of your travel rewards.