If you travel often—whether for business, leisure, or a mix of both—airline loyalty programs can be a game-changer. From complimentary upgrades to free flights, airport lounge access, and priority boarding, the right loyalty program can unlock serious travel value. But not all programs are created equal.
At The RetailUndercut Team, we’ve flown, earned, redeemed, and tested dozens of frequent flyer programs. We’ve sifted through real user experiences, reward structures, redemption pain points, and elite perks to find the best loyalty programs for travelers who want more than just miles.
Here’s what we found after digging deep into 2025’s most rewarding airline loyalty programs.
Delta SkyMiles
Delta’s SkyMiles program isn’t perfect—but for U.S.-based flyers who value flexibility and reliability, it offers solid perks with global reach.
We’ve found SkyMiles to be especially helpful for domestic and international travelers who want predictable pricing and high service standards. Unlike some programs, Delta doesn’t have blackout dates on award travel, and their recent overhaul to Medallion status makes it easier to earn perks through credit card spending and flight activity combined.
Why It Stood Out
- No blackout dates for award redemptions
- Partnership with Amex lets you earn miles on everyday purchases
- Global footprint through SkyTeam alliance
- Miles never expire
Pros
- Excellent U.S. airport coverage
- Solid customer service and reliability
- Sky Club lounge access (with select cards/status)
Cons
- Dynamic pricing can lead to inconsistent award value
- Elite status is harder to earn without high spend
Best For
Travelers who fly regularly on U.S. domestic routes and want to use miles flexibly without worrying about expiration.
Alaska Mileage Plan
Alaska’s Mileage Plan is a favorite among savvy travelers who value high-value partner redemptions and fast elite qualification.
Our team has seen Mileage Plan shine for those who book premium cabin awards using fewer miles than competitors. It also rewards based on distance flown—something that’s rare in 2025 as most airlines switch to spend-based earning.
Why It Stood Out
- Distance-based earning model
- Valuable Oneworld partner redemptions (like Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines)
- Free stopovers on one-way awards
Pros
- Great redemption rates for international premium cabins
- Unique partnerships (Hainan, Fiji Airways)
- Easy elite qualification through actual miles flown
Cons
- Limited U.S. route map unless you’re based on the West Coast
- Partner availability can be hit or miss
Best For
International travelers who want high-value business/first-class redemptions and aren’t loyal to a single airline brand.
United MileagePlus
United’s MileagePlus has long been a staple for frequent flyers—and it remains one of the most versatile programs out there.
What we love is how seamlessly United integrates with Star Alliance, opening up redemption opportunities on dozens of airlines. The program’s Excursionist Perk is one of the more unique features—letting you book a free one-way leg on certain multi-city itineraries.
Why It Stood Out
- Strong domestic and international network
- No close-in booking fees
- Excursionist Perk adds value to round-trip bookings
Pros
- Consistent availability for economy and business awards
- Credit card spending helps earn elite status
- Easy-to-use mobile booking tools
Cons
- Dynamic award pricing with unpredictable rates
- Award availability on premium cabins sometimes scarce
Best For
Travelers who prioritize global reach and want the flexibility to book complex itineraries using miles.
American Airlines AAdvantage
AAdvantage was one of the original frequent flyer programs—and it still packs a punch in 2025, especially if you know how to play the partner game.
We’ve seen savvy travelers use AAdvantage miles for incredible value on Oneworld airlines like Qatar Airways and British Airways. Elite tiers also come with upgrades, free checked bags, and priority perks that save both money and time.
Why It Stood Out
- Valuable international partner redemptions
- Strong elite upgrade benefits on U.S. routes
- Loyalty Points system combines flight + credit card earnings
Pros
- Generous saver award space (especially on international routes)
- Great upgrade options for elite members
- Multiple cobranded credit cards to help rack up Loyalty Points
Cons
- Partner surcharges can be high (especially on BA)
- Award charts are disappearing in favor of dynamic pricing
Best For
Frequent flyers who want flexibility in how they earn elite status—and access to premium international cabins.
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has transformed in recent years and now stands out as one of the most user-friendly loyalty programs globally.
What impressed The RetailUndercut Team most is the breadth of partners, ease of booking, and how transparent Aeroplan is with pricing. From stopovers for 5,000 miles to family sharing of points, there’s a lot of flexibility built in.
Why It Stood Out
- Fixed-price award charts with some dynamic pricing
- 70+ partners (Star Alliance + extras like Etihad and Emirates)
- Stopovers for just 5,000 points
Pros
- Book partners online with real-time availability
- Easy to pool points within a family
- Points don’t expire with minimal activity
Cons
- Taxes and fees can be high on some routes
- Availability for premium cabins can vary
Best For
Families or couples who want to pool points, and international travelers who need partner variety and booking transparency.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best airline loyalty program really depends on your travel habits. If you fly mainly domestic routes, Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus offer simplicity and reach. If you’re chasing premium cabin redemptions and value, Alaska Mileage Plan or American AAdvantage offer more strategic opportunities. For international flexibility and smart booking features, Aeroplan is a hidden gem.
At The RetailUndercut Team, we always recommend evaluating these programs based on:
- Where you fly most
- Which partners you actually use
- How much you spend vs how far you fly
Each program has strengths—and a few quirks. But when used strategically, they can unlock serious savings, luxury experiences, and smooth your entire travel journey.
