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In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, international travel has been given a significant reboot. The upswing in air passengers – an impressive 47% rise compared to 2021 – has come as a sigh of relief for airlines across the globe. A recent study conducted by Good Travel Management, a trailblazer in the business travel management space, has thrown light on the airline loyalty programs ruling the roost in the resurging travel industry.

The study tapped into a range of factors such as Google searches, points expiry, lounge reviews, minimum legroom, and other aspects to establish a comprehensive ranking for 59 major airline loyalty programs worldwide. The findings unveil a rich tapestry of customer-oriented innovations and surprising industry insights that spell out the changing landscape of airline loyalty schemes in 2023.

United Airlines’ MileagePlus has clinched the top spot with an enviable score of 7.85 out of 10, despite recent price hikes on all European routes. This program is celebrated for its diversified ways of earning and redeeming miles and boasts a staggering member base exceeding 100 million. Notably, MileagePlus garnered the highest score for points expiry, with points not having an expiration date. Moreover, it serves 342 destinations and boasts one of the highest scores for legroom, offering a spacious 75 inches on long-haul flights.

Snapping at MileagePlus’ heels is Aeroplan with Air Canada, which achieved a commendable score of 6.53. The program recently scored its best-ever showing at the 32nd annual Freddie Awards, picking up accolades such as Airline Programme of the Year, Best Promotion, and Best Redemption Ability. However, a limited points expiry timeframe of only 18 months and fewer destination options (222 in total) kept it from snatching the top position.

The third rank was bagged by Miles & Smiles with Turkish Airlines, scoring 6.23. The scheme won praise for its lounge review score but faltered due to a 36-month limit on points expiry and somewhat less legroom (60 inches) than its top two competitors.

At the other end of the spectrum, the most underwhelming performance came from Free Spirit with Spirit Airlines, which scored a lowly 0.73. This U.S. carrier also topped a recent survey as the airline most Americans would prefer to avoid. Free Spirit failed to impress in all categories, with a paltry points expiry term of just 12 months and a poor Trustpilot score of 1.2 out of 5.

Group CMO of Good Travel Management, Richard Quelch, expressed optimism over the resurgence of the travel industry and the role of lucrative loyalty schemes in enticing more passengers. He voiced hope for innovative enhancements in these programs, aiming for an unforgettable, enjoyable flight experience for all travellers.