Online awards put United atop loyalty programs
United Airlines, British Airways and Singapore Airlines took home three of the coveted Best Reward Program categories in the eighth annual FlyerTalk Awards, announced Monday.
The awards were voted on by members of FlyerTalk, a popular online community devoted to frequent-traveler interests.
In addition to airlines, hotel and rental car loyalty programs were scored.
United and Singapore Airlines were first-time winners. United’s MileagePlus frequent-flyer program ended a two-year run at the top of the Americas category by Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan program.
Before Alaska’s win in 2017, American had dominated the category, taking the top spot every year since the FlyerTalk Awards began in 2012 through 2016.
For the Middle East/Asia/Oceana region, Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program unseated Qatar Airways and its Privilege Club program that had claimed the title for the past two years.
British Airways was a repeat winner, taking the best-program title for the Europe/Africa region for the eighth consecutive time.
“It’s hard to believe, but MileagePlus had never won a FlyerTalk Award for Best Program in any category until now,” Paul O’Brien, FlyerTalk awards producer, told USA TODAY.
“The real story in Asia is Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer,” he said.
“Some FlyerTalkers have speculated that KrisFlyer’s newfound popularity might have something to do with the blockbuster 2018 movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’ ”
Hilton sweeps hotel awards
Another big shakeup came on the hotel front, where Hilton swept six hotel categories.
“This is a huge win for Hilton, as this is the first year in the history of the FlyerTalk Awards that Hilton won for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Americas, as well as its first win for Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Middle East/
Asia/Oceana category.”
Hilton’s sweep came at the expense of Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), two loyalty programs that operated separately last year but have since been combined under the name Bonvoy as part of a merger between the two hotel giants.
“There are multiple theories floating around the FlyerTalk offices as to why Hilton outgunned Marriott and SPG in such a big way,” O’Brien said.
“Some think it could be a natural uptick in overall satisfaction with Hilton Honors as Hilton has been on a big advertising binge over the past year.
Others think the win is a straight-up rebuke of Marriott/SPG/Bonvoy.
“Regardless of the reason, Hilton certainly earned its honors this year, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing how the program squares off against Bonvoy next year,” O’Brien said.