The Best Frequent Flier Programs for 2025
Savvy travelers know the value of a good airline loyalty program. With perks like airport lounge access, seat upgrades, and free or discounted travel, it pays to rack up those frequent flier miles. WalletHub recently released their annual study ranking the best frequent flier programs to help travelers decide which airline best meets their needs.
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The Best Frequent Flier Programs for 2025
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Alaska Airlines: Mileage Plan
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United Airlines: MileagePlus
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Delta Air Lines: SkyMiles
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Hawaiian Airlines: HawaiianMiles
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American Airlines: AAdvantage
WalletHub compared ten major domestic carriers using 21 key metrics—such as number of international destinations, earning limits, and booking blackout dates—factoring in the travel needs and budgets of light, average, and frequent fliers. Use WalletHub’s Frequent Flier Miles calculator to get a personalized recommendation on what frequent flier program best suits your travel style.
| Rank | Airline | Program Name | Do Miles Expire? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska Airlines | Mileage Plan | No |
| 2 | United Airlines | MileagePlus | No |
| 3 | Delta Airlines | SkyMiles | No |
| 4 | Hawaiian Airlines | HawaiianMiles | No |
| 5 | American Airlines | AAdvantage | Yes |
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan overtook United MileagePlus to become the best frequent flier program for 2025. Award travel with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan starts at 4,500 miles, and members earn up to 30% more miles on their travel than with competitor programs. Earn miles by flying Alaska Airlines (one mile earned for every mile flown), booking with one of their travel partners, or shopping with an Alaska Airlines credit card. Sign up here.
Frequent fliers enrolled in Mileage Plus can travel to 365 domestic and international destinations using their miles, second only to AAdvantage. MileagePlus Premier members have access to even more perks, such as seat upgrades and complimentary baggage check. Sign up here.
SkyMiles are earned with every Delta flight at the Main Cabin level or higher, by booking with a SkyMiles partner, or by making purchases with a SkyMiles American Express card. Sign up here.
HawaiianMiles can be earned by flying Hawaiian, shopping with a Hawaiian Airlines credit card, or booking with one of Hawaiian’s airline, hotel, car rental, or shopping and dining partners. Miles can also be purchased, with an upper limit of 100,000 miles. Sign up here.
Basic AAdvantage membership includes benefits like guaranteed group five boarding, preferred seat coupons, and priority privileges. Each subsequent membership status—Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum—earns increasing perks like early upgrades, multiple free checked bags, and an increase of up to 120% in miles earned. Earn miles by flying American, booking with airline partners, or signing up for an AAdvantage credit card. Sign up here.