Airline Loyalty Programs

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Largest Star Alliance carrier in the Americas
• ✓Dynamic award pricing but good saver availability
• ✓Polaris business class lounges expanding
• ✓Free Wi-Fi now on 1,000+ planes
• ✓New Adelaide, Australia route launched 2026

Best Award Redemptions

• ★United Polaris to Europe (60-88K one-way)
• ★Partner flights on Lufthansa/Swiss First
• ★Star Alliance round-the-world awards
• ★Close-in domestic when cash prices spike

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓New Flagship Suites launching at JFK 2026
• ✓Oneworld alliance access to premium partners
• ✓Web Special awards often good value
• ✓New A321XLR with Flagship Suites coming
• ✓Note: Basic Economy no longer earns miles

Best Award Redemptions

• ★Qatar Airways Qsuites (70K one-way)
• ★Japan Airlines business class
• ★Cathay Pacific First Class (70K one-way)
• ★Web Specials to Caribbean/Mexico

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Best U.S. airline for reliability/experience
• ✓Excellent SkyClub lounge network
• ✓Good upgrade rates for Medallion elites
• ✓Free WiFi on all domestic flights
• ✓Premium economy (Comfort+) widely available

Best Award Redemptions

• ★Delta One to Europe (flash sales 50-85K)
• ★Virgin Atlantic Upper Class via transfer
• ★Partner flights on Korean Air/Air France
• ★SkyMiles flash sales (watch for deals)

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓No change/cancel fees ever
• ✓Free checked bags (2)
• ✓Companion Pass is incredible value
• ✓Point pooling available
• ✓New Turkish Airlines partnership 2026

Best Award Redemptions

• ★Companion Pass (earn 125K points = free companion for 2 years)
• ★Last-minute domestic flights
• ★Hawaii inter-island flights
• ★Wanna Get Away fares for low point costs

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Joined oneworld alliance for global reach
• ✓Partner award sweet spots remain
• ✓New London Heathrow route launching 2026
• ✓Generous elite benefits
• ✓Program rebranded to Atmos Rewards

Best Award Redemptions

• ★Emirates First Class (115K one-way)
• ★Cathay Pacific business class (50K one-way)
• ★Japan Airlines First Class (70K)
• ★Qantas premium cabin awards

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Mint business class is best domestic product
• ✓New BlueHouse lounge at JFK
• ✓Free WiFi and live TV
• ✓Most legroom in coach
• ✓Note: Japan Airlines partnership ending

Best Award Redemptions

• ★Mint transcontinental flights (pooled pricing)
• ★Caribbean destinations
• ★Mint to London
• ★New Cleveland route from NYC

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Avios extremely flexible for short-haul
• ✓Partners: AA, Qatar, Japan Airlines, Iberia
• ✓Off-peak pricing reduces award costs
• ✓New Heathrow lounge opening 2026
• ✓Note: 2025 saw 14% award price increases

Best Award Redemptions

• ★Short-haul oneworld flights (low Avios)
• ★Qatar Qsuites via BA (cheaper than AA)
• ★Aer Lingus to Ireland
• ★Iberia business class

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Joined SkyTeam alliance
• ✓Delta codeshare for US coverage
• ✓Upper Class is excellent product
• ✓Transfer bonuses frequently offered
• ✓Note: Separate from Virgin Red program

Best Award Redemptions

• ★ANA First Class (110-120K round-trip)
• ★Delta One via Virgin (less than Delta direct)
• ★Upper Class to London
• ★Air France La Première

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Excellent transfer partner options
• ✓Family pooling allows shared redemptions
• ✓Points Predictor tool helpful
• ✓Strong Star Alliance partner availability
• ✓Stopover rules are flexible

Best Award Redemptions

• ★EVA Air business class to Asia
• ★Lufthansa First Class
• ★ANA business to Japan
• ★United domestic on saver

Transfer Partners

Elite Status Tiers

Program Highlights

• ✓Promo Rewards offer 25-50% discounts
• ✓Air France La Première is bucket list
• ✓New Heathrow lounge with spa opening 2026
• ✓Good availability on own metal
• ✓La Premiere network expanded to ATL, BOS, IAH

Best Award Redemptions

• ★Air France La Première (100-200K one-way)
• ★Promo Rewards flash sales
• ★KLM business to Amsterdam
• ★SkyTeam partners to Africa

Transfer Partners