U.S. News & World Report has announced its highly anticipated rankings of the Best Travel Rewards Programs for 2025-2026.
The journalism leader analyzed 23 total airline frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs to reveal the most rewarding for today’s travelers.
Experts weighed a variety of factors such as membership benefits, network coverage, the ease of earning and redeeming points or miles, hotel property diversity and airline quality.
Best Hotel Rewards Programs
Cambria Hotel Burbank Airport (Photo Credit: Choice Hotels)
In the hotel loyalty program category, uber-consistent Choice Privileges reigns supreme, coming in at number one after spending the past decade in the top five.
“Choice Privileges allows members to quickly earn free nights, and due to its acquisition of Radisson and an enhanced partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the program has expanded its reach to include both budget-focused brands and luxury offerings,” states U.S. News & World Report.
“With Choice Privileges’ reasonably attainable elite status, members also receive impactful perks like room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout after just 10 nights.”
Earlier this year, personal finance website WalletHub also determined Choice Privileges to be the best hotel loyalty program for travelers of all spending levels.
Trailing Choice Privileges in the hotel rewards program category for 2025-2026 are Wyndham Rewards, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards.
According to U.S. News & World Report, both Wyndham Rewards and World of Hyatt stand out for their ease of earning a free night, while Wyndham offers members one of the largest global hotel networks.
Choice PrivilegesWyndham RewardsWorld of HyattMarriott BonvoyIHG One RewardsSonesta Travel PassBest Western RewardsSLH ClubLeaders ClubI Prefer Hotel RewardsHilton HonorsALL – Accor Live LimitlessOmni Select GuestStash Hotel Rewards
Best Airline Rewards Programs
Amid its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines continues to rack up wins, with its Mileage Plan maintaining its top spot for the Best Airline Rewards Programs for the 11th consecutive year.
“Members earn points based on miles flown rather than spending, ensuring a path to elite status regardless of ticket price,” U.S. News & World Report points out.
“First-tier elite status includes free upgrades, checked bags and same-day confirmed flight changes, while oneworld Alliance’s multi-airline partnerships provide access to destinations worldwide and increased perks for frequent flyers.”
United Airlines plane (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Meanwhile, United MileagePlus climbed to second and American Airlines AAdvantage ranks third while Delta SkyMiles and JetBlue TrueBlue round out the top five for 2025-2026.
Alaska Airlines Mileage PlanUnited MileagePlusAmerican Airlines AAdvantageDelta SkyMilesJetBlue TrueBlueSouthwest Rapid RewardsFree SpiritFRONTIER MilesAllegiant Air Allways Rewards
“With significant changes to travel rewards policies over the past few years, consumers are reviewing program offerings to ensure their spending delivers worthwhile benefits,” Elizabeth Von Tersch, U.S. News’ senior travel editor, said in a statement.
“As reward systems constantly evolve, the Best Travel Rewards Programs provide travelers with helpful data to make informed decisions about travel rewards.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
