With frequent flyer programs, some U.S. airlines go the extra mile (pun intended) with exceptional customer service, perks and value, and they rank far better than other airlines.
Delta Air Lines offers the best frequent flyer program for the fifth year in a row. This is according to WalletHub, a reputable financial website that has studied, analyzed and rated frequent flyer programs for five years.
WalletHub used 23 key metrics to determine the best frequent flyer programs from all the mainline domestic airlines’ loyalty rewards programs.
The 10 best frequent flyer programs from best to worst are:
1. Delta Air Lines – SkyMiles
2. Alaska Airlines – Mileage Plan
3. Southwest Airlines – Rapid Rewards
4. United Airlines – Mileage Plus
5. JetBlue Airways – TruBlue
6. American Airlines – Aadvantage
7. Hawaiian Airlines – HawaiianMiles
8. Frontier Airlines – Frontier Miles
9. Sun Country Airlines – Sun Country Rewards
10. Spirit Airlines – Free Spirit
Not only did Delta rank No. 1, the airline is considered the best U.S. airline in general by many critics. Allegiant Air does not have a frequent flyer program; it was not included in the ranking.
To rank the frequent flyer programs, WalletHub used a point system. Airlines that performed well in each category ranked high, and key metrics for grading included: number of countries served, partner airlines earning and redemption; value earned; booking blackout dates; advance booking; short-notice booking fee; earning limits; layover in award flight; expired-mile reactivation; ease of achieving elite status; membership perks for flyers; purchasing miles; and number of daily flights. 
Delta ranked high (if not best) in almost all categories.
Some other interesting findings from the report.
Out of the three legacy U.S. carriers, including Delta, United and American, American is the only airline that did not make the top 5.
Spirit Airlines was ranked No 10, meaning it offers the worst frequent flyer program.
Four of the 10 largest airlines offer more rewards value in 2020 than in 2019, which is a 14 percent increase. 
According to the data, Alaska offers the most rewards value, followed by Hawaiian and Frontier.
For those who don’t fly frequently, it’s a good idea to join Delta, JetBlue and Southwest. These three airlines offer programs where miles do not expire due to inactivity.
Only 7 of the U.S. airlines allow loyalty members to earn and redeem miles with partner carriers. Sun Country, Spirit and Southwest do not.
Airline miles cost an average of 64 percent more than they’re worth when purchased rather than earned.
What’s your favorite frequent flyer program? Let us know in the comments below. If you’re looking to book a trip, click this link or banner below to get the best airfare.
Airfare Watchdog scours the top booking engines to get the cheapest flight, and it’s definitely worth it (they basically do all the work for you).
Travelbinger is proud to be a publisher with Google News. Only few travel publications qualify. Google News consider Travelbinger a blog, making us the only travel blog to be part of Google News. We’ll take it!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Please do! I’m a one-man team for this website, so any help is sincerely appreciated.
Travelbinger is now on YouTube! Subscribe here for exclusive travel tips and advice from founder Jimmy Im. We’re also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Happy travels!
Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.