There are good and bad frequent flyer programs – those that award you lots of perks for being loyal and then there are others that only want your money and nothing else. There are several parts to a frequent flyer program and what makes it qualify as better than others – from elite status benefits to award redemption opportunities, every program has advantages and disadvantages. There is not one perfect frequent flyer program that has it all – some are better for elite perks and others are better for mileage tickets, and you should always take advantage of the best parts of multiple programs.
Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Programs
Air Canada Aeroplan
- best Star Alliance program for award flights – still publishes a (fairly generous) award chart and offers the ability to mix/match airlines, create custom routings, and does not impose fuel surcharges
- Aeroplan also has a bunch of non-Star Alliance partners, which are phenomenal and you can easily redeem your miles for these flights at great rates
- they do still charge change and cancel fees and the call center has horrible wait times
Avianca LifeMiles
- no fuel surcharges are imposed on redemptions
- best for nonstop flights with Star Alliance
- often sells miles for cheap with lots of bonuses
- can be a nightmare to find availability or get anything done over the phone
- still charges change/cancel fees
Lufthansa Miles & More
- best program for Lufthansa Group redemptions as there is more award availability (Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, and others)
- no way to transfer in miles, but there is a credit card
- First Class on Lufthansa is bookable more than two weeks out (unlike with partner Star Alliance programs)
- fuel surcharges are imposed
- still charges change and cancel fees
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- partners with most major transferable bank points programs
- best Singapore Airlines award availability
- surcharges depend on airline you are flying and where you are flying to/from, some are mild and others are wild
- still charges change and cancel fees
United Airlines MileagePlus
- no fuel surcharges are imposed
- no change and cancel fees
- partners with Chase Ultimate Rewards for transfers
- airline partners outside of Star Alliance
- fairly easy and simple website to use
- some sweet spots exist between certain regions – getting you more value for your miles
oneworld Frequent Flyer Programs
American Airlines AAdvantage
- amazing award chart for partner redemptions
- great partners outside of oneworld
- no change and cancel fees
- ability to create custom routings on non-AA award flight itineraries
- ability to hold flights for up to 5 days
British Airways Executive Club
- great for distance-based award flights, that can often cost a lot last minute
- partners with a lot of transferable bank points programs
- still charges change/cancel fees
- fuel surcharges are imposed on most redemptions
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- much more availability on Cathay Pacific flights – especially in the premium cabin
- decent award chart, based on distance and number of airlines you fly
- change and cancel fees still charged
- fuel surcharges imposed on certain redemptions
SkyTeam Frequent Flyer Programs
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- best program for Air France and KLM flights
- partners with most major transferable bank points programs
- easy to use website and calendar feature
- decent, dynamic pricing can be found (even on partner airlines)
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- great for distance-based redemptions on some airlines
- awesome award charts with great rates are published for all partner airlines
- great for awards on ANA, Delta, Hawaiian, and many more
- lots of transfer partners available
- competent and friendly call center
- still charges change and cancel fees
- fuel surcharges imposed on some itineraries
All in All
The best frequent flyer program for a redemption depends on what you exactly want to fly. There may be numerous ways to book one flight, but some are probably going to be better than others. Remember that even if you aren’t loyal to these programs or have any miles or points in them, most of the above partner with at least one of the major transferable bank points programs and that means that you can transfer points fairly quickly and book that dream award – but remember to check award availability before transferring points to miles.