U.S. News & World Report released its annual rankings of the top travel rewards programs on Wednesday, shining a spotlight on the programs dishing out the most membership benefits, network coverage and easiest path to earning.
Marriott International's Marriott Rewards leapfrogged Wyndham Worldwide's Wyndham Rewards for 2017-18, securing the top spot among the leading hotel loyalty programs thanks to its ease of earning points and expansive network of premier locations.
Choice Hotels' Choice Privileges ranks third, earning high marks in its geographic coverage and ease of earning a free night categories.
Hyatt Hotels' revamped World of Hyatt broke into the top five for 2017, ranking fourth just ahead of Best Western Rewards. The variety of benefits and ability to convert points to airline miles are significant pros for World of Hyatt.
LaQuinta Returns tumbled two spots to No. 7. While the program allows members to convert points to frequent flyer miles, use points at various outlets and use points earned at budget properties on luxury stays, the company's limited network of luxury hotels slightly diminishes its potential.
IHG Rewards Club, Club Carlson, Starwood Preferred Guest and Leaders Club also cracked the top 10.
Hilton Honors checked in at No. 11 as a result of how difficult it can be for members to earn a free night. Nonetheless, it finished ahead of Omni Select Guest (12th), Kimpton Karma Rewards (15th) and Fairmont President's Club (17th).
For the third straight year, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan took home the top spot in U.S. News & World Report's frequent flyer program rankings. The program was once again lifted by its popular mileage-based earning structure, which allows members to earn faster.
Looking ahead, Mileage Plan will merge with Virgin America's Elevate program following the Alaska Air Group's acquisition of Virgin America in 2016. Elevate ranked fifth last year.
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Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles program jumped up two spots from 2016 to No. 2.
U.S. News & World Report credited the program's competitive redemption rates on award flights and its wide array of benefits for the bump.
JetBlue TrueBlue and Southwest Rapid Rewards held relatively steady in 2017, ranking third and fourth, respectively. Being able to earn points on multiple airlines, with zero blackout dates and the ability to earn rewards through social media participation continues to set TrueBlue apart.
United MileagePlus rounds out the top five for 2017. Highlights of the program include an expansive network and a slew of additional benefits. Members can earn and redeem miles on more than 35 participating airlines.
"Today's travelers have so many rewards programs to choose from, comparing and contrasting them based on your specific needs can be a challenge," said Christine Smith, associate travel editor at U.S. News, in a statement "Our Best Travel Rewards Programs rankings emphasize the ease of earning points and miles, and redeeming them for free nights and flights, which everyday travelers identify as a top reason to join a loyalty program."
U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings also take into account property diversity when analyzing the top hotel loyalty programs and airline quality rating scores when examining the best frequent flyer programs.
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