2025 is a strong year in aviation and air travel, and it’s also impacting loyalty programs and frequent flyer miles faster than ever. Airlines are profiting more than ever from their frequent flyer programs, almost turning into banks with very special, unpredictable, and hard-to-understand miles. With plenty of recent changes announced, it’s always good to reassess your strategy every year. Choosing the best frequent flyer program can be daunting, but this curated list of favorites for 2025 provides a great starting point.

This list reflects AwardFares’ team’s picks and is not an exhaustive comparison. While the list is ordered, the “best” program depends on your travel habits, home airport, and desired destinations. Here are our top picks for 2025!

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American Airlines AAdvantage

Alliance: oneworld
Best For: Global travel with partners like Qatar & JAL
Key Perk: Excellent award rates, especially off-peak
Search for AAdvantage award flights

Main Points

  • Alliance is Key: The value of a program is deeply tied to its airline alliance (oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam), which dictates your global reach and partner redemption options.
  • Dynamic vs. Fixed Pricing: Many programs (like Flying Blue) use dynamic pricing where award costs fluctuate, while others (like AAdvantage) offer more predictable, fixed-priced awards. Understanding this difference is crucial.
  • AAdvantage on Top: We rate American AAdvantage as the top program for 2025 due to its strong partner network, valuable redemption “sweet spots,” and recent member-friendly enhancements.
  • Credit Cards Are Accelerators: Earning points through flying is slow. The fastest way to accumulate miles is through co-branded credit card sign-up bonuses and strategic spending.
  • No Single ‘Best’ Program: The ideal program for you depends on your home airport, typical destinations, and travel style (e.g., solo premium vs. family economy).

In This Article

How to Choose the Best Frequent Flyer Program for You

Before jumping into our list, take a moment to consider what makes a program “best” for you. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Where is your home base? Your local airport’s dominant airline and its partners should be a primary factor. If you live in a United hub like Denver, MileagePlus is a natural choice.
  • Where do you want to go? Your travel goals dictate which alliance matters most. For trips to Asia, Star Alliance (United, ANA, Singapore) and oneworld (JAL, Cathay Pacific) are strong. For transatlantic travel, all three alliances offer great options.
  • How do you earn points? Do you fly frequently for work, or do you primarily earn through credit card spending? Some programs are better for flyers, while others have lucrative credit card partnerships (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards to United, Amex Membership Rewards to Flying Blue).
  • What kind of travel do you value? Are you chasing luxury First and Business Class seats, or do you need to book multiple economy tickets for family vacations? Programs like Aeroplan excel at family pooling, while AAdvantage has great sweet spots for premium cabins.

With those factors in mind, here are our top picks for 2025!

What are the Best Frequent Flyer Programs of 2025? (Our Picks)

1. AAdvantage (oneworld)

AAdvantage

American Airlines AAdvantage continues to be a top choice in 2025. Thanks to its many partner airlines, fair prices for award flights, and a strong focus on global travel, it works well for all kinds of travelers. What truly sets the program apart this year is its dedication to adding value and rewarding loyalty. American is introducing lifetime status tiers to recognize its most frequent flyers. This, along with more options for using rewards and simple ways to qualify for status, makes AAdvantage a leader among airline loyalty programs.

Why it shines:

  • Exceptional Partners: As a cornerstone of the oneworld alliance, it offers access to premier carriers like British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Japan Airlines.
  • Outstanding Award Value: Off-peak awards and specific partner routes in Business Class offer some of the best redemption values available.
  • Global Reach: Strong coverage in North America, Europe, and Asia.

What’s making AAdvantage even better in 2025:

  • New Lifetime Status Tiers: AAdvantage now rewards long-term loyalty with lifetime status for elite members who reach significant milestones.
  • Expanded Reward Options: Members can now use miles for more than flights, including onboard food, Wi-Fi, and Admirals Club access.
  • More Partners: Earn and redeem on a growing list of airlines, including new partner JetSMART.
  • Simplified Status Qualification: AAdvantage has made achieving elite status easier, requiring fewer miles or segments.
  • Exclusive Citibank Partnership: A new exclusive partnership with Citibank means more co-branded credit card perks are on the horizon.

Expert Tip

AAdvantage is a top choice within the oneworld alliance. To see how it stacks up against others like British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Privilege Club, check out our complete Guide to the Best oneworld Frequent Flyer Programs. You can also explore more of our AAdvantage resources here.

American AAdvantage in 2025

2. Flying Blue (SkyTeam)

Flying Blue

Air France-KLM’s loyalty program, Flying Blue, excels with its monthly Promo Rewards and a wide variety of redemption options. The program’s user-friendly interface and flexibility make it a compelling choice for frequent and occasional flyers alike.

Why it shines:

  • Promo Rewards: Every month, Flying Blue offers a rotating set of destinations with deeply discounted award rates (up to 50% off), often including Business Class.
  • SkyTeam Dominance: Access a vast network with partners like Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Korean Air.
  • Flexible Redemptions: Use your miles for award flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, and merchandise.
  • Fast Track to Miles: Co-branded credit cards are available in several countries (including the US), making it easy to earn on everyday purchases.
  • Target Region: Europe, North America, and beyond with SkyTeam partners.

What’s new with Flying Blue in 2025?

  • Subscribe to Miles: Pay a monthly fee to receive a steady stream of miles and reach your award goals faster.
  • Increased Award Availability: Flying Blue is working to increase the number of seats available at the lowest saver-level mileage rates.
  • New Partner: SAS has officially joined the SkyTeam alliance, opening up new travel possibilities.
  • BEWARE: The program has undergone some point devaluations, with certain awards now priced higher to fund increased availability.

Pro Tip

Use our Flying Blue Promo Rewards Finder to quickly explore discounted awards each month. See more of our Flying Blue resources here.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue in 2025.

3. SAS EuroBonus (SkyTeam)

SAS EuroBonus

With SAS’s recent move to SkyTeam, SAS EuroBonus has become a compelling choice for Scandinavian travelers and beyond. Its predictable award chart, high availability on SAS flights, and valuable partner benefits make it a standout.

Why it shines:

  • Great Redemption Rates: EuroBonus is one of the few major programs that still uses a fixed-price award chart, avoiding the unpredictable nature of dynamic pricing.
  • Companion Vouchers: Amex cardholders in Norway and Sweden can book premium cabins on partners like Air France, KLM, and Delta for half the points with a 2-for-1 voucher.
  • Upgrade Opportunities: The SAS Mastercard’s FlyPremium benefit allows members in Norway and Sweden to upgrade to SAS Plus and SAS Business for free on award tickets.
  • Target Region: Scandinavia, Europe, and worldwide through the new SkyTeam partnership.

What’s making EuroBonus even better in 2025:

  • New SkyTeam Partnership: The move to SkyTeam unlocks a world of new destinations and redemption opportunities on airlines like Delta, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air.
  • Seamless Nordic Travel: Enhanced codeshare agreements with SkyTeam partners ensure smooth connections throughout Scandinavia and beyond.
  • Focus on Sustainability: EuroBonus now offers initiatives to reward eco-conscious choices, like earning extra points for booking flights with lower emissions.
  • Improved Digital Experience: A redesigned SAS app and website make it easier to manage your account, track points, and access personalized offers.

Important Update: The Future of EuroBonus

Air France-KLM is set to become the majority owner of SAS, creating significant uncertainty for the future of the EuroBonus program. A full merger into the Flying Blue program is highly likely.

This transition could mean the end of predictable, fixed-price award charts and the loss of unique perks like the Amex 2-for-1 voucher. It’s crucial for members to have a strategy to protect the value of their points and status.

We’ve covered this topic in-depth. Read our definitive guide: The End of SAS EuroBonus? The Definitive Guide.

Expert Tip

With SAS now in SkyTeam, there are amazing new opportunities. To see how EuroBonus compares to other top programs in the alliance, read our Guide to the Best SkyTeam Programs. You can also check out our other SAS EuroBonus resources here.

SAS EuroBonus Levels in 2025.

4. United MileagePlus (Star Alliance)

United Airlines MileagePlus

United MileagePlus remains a versatile and valuable program for 2025, offering extensive global reach through the Star Alliance. Its strong partnerships, competitive upgrade options, and vast network make it a powerhouse for any type of traveler.

Why it shines:

  • Global Dominance: As a Star Alliance founder, it offers access to partners like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and ANA, covering virtually every corner of the globe.
  • Valuable Upgrades: MileagePlus provides excellent upgrade opportunities on international routes, especially for higher-fare economy tickets.
  • Hub Strength: Major hubs in Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco provide seamless connections worldwide.
  • Target Region: Perfect for international travelers with a focus on Europe, Asia, and South America.

What’s new with MileagePlus in 2025?

  • Higher Elite Status Requirements: Premier status qualification thresholds have increased by 20-25%.
  • Starter PQP Deposits: Existing Premier members receive bonus PQPs to help meet the new requirements.
  • Improved Credit Card Earning: Co-branded cards now earn more PQPs per dollar spent.
  • Flexible PlusPoints Redemption: New options to use PlusPoints for PQPs, TravelBank credits, or bonus miles.
  • Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout: Faster, more reliable in-flight internet is coming, free for MileagePlus members.

Expert Tip

MileagePlus is an excellent program for redeeming miles on partner airlines. Find out how it compares to other alliance heavyweights in our Guide to the Best Star Alliance Programs. See more of our United MileagePlus resources here.

United MileagePlus in 2025.

5. Aeroplan (Star Alliance)

Aeroplan

Air Canada’s Aeroplan is a top choice for savvy travelers, offering an extensive network, user-friendly redemption options, and high-value points. It’s particularly well-known for its family-friendly features and flexible routing rules.

Why it shines:

  • Unrivaled Network: As a key member of the Star Alliance, Aeroplan offers access to over 1,300 destinations.
  • Family-Friendly Perks: A generous family pooling feature allows up to eight family members to combine their points, making it easier to book award travel together.
  • Stopover Magic: Add a stopover to a one-way award ticket for just 5,000 extra points, effectively turning one trip into two adventures.
  • Target Region: Primarily Canada and North America, with extensive reach through Star Alliance partners.

What’s making Aeroplan even better in 2025:

  • Extended Status Validity: Status earned in 2024 is valid until January 31, 2026.
  • Flight Pass Power-Up: Elite members now earn bonus eUpgrade credits and Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) with Flight Passes.
  • Simplified Elite Benefits: A more straightforward and rewarding experience for 50K members and above.
  • Bonus Points Sales: Aeroplan frequently runs promotions on purchasing points, such as recent sales with a 100% bonus.

Pro Tip

Aeroplan is a great program for booking First Class cabins, like Lufthansa First. You can search for First Class awards with one click here. Check out more of our Aeroplan resources here.

Air Canada Aeroplan in 2025.

6. Alaska Mileage Plan (oneworld)

Alaska Mileage Plan

Alaska Mileage Plan is beloved for its straightforward program and excellent partner awards. With the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, the program is set to become even more powerful in 2025 as the two loyalty programs combine.

Why it shines:

  • Award Value: Renowned for its redemption “sweet spots,” particularly on partners like Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
  • Unique & Flexible Partners: As a oneworld member, it also maintains unique partnerships with airlines outside the alliance, like Icelandair and Starlux.
  • No Blackout Dates: Members can redeem miles for flights on any day of the year on Alaska-operated flights.
  • Generous Earning: Earn miles quickly by flying Alaska, its partners, and through co-branded credit cards.
  • Target Region: A powerhouse for travel within North America, with expanding global reach.

What’s happening with Mileage Plan in 2025?

  • Hawaiian Airlines Integration: The two loyalty programs are expected to merge, creating a unified program with more earning and redemption options and a stronger network to Hawaii.
  • Earn on Award Travel: Members can now earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) on award flights, including on partner airlines.
  • New Milestone Rewards: Choose your own perks at various EQM thresholds, rewarding all levels of flyers.
  • Simplified Award Charts: Alaska is moving toward simpler, more predictable award charts with its partners.

More Info

Check out more of our Alaska Mileage Plan resources here.

Alaska Mileage Plan in 2025.

7. Turkish Miles&Smiles (Star Alliance)

Turkish Miles&Smiles

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles offers some of the most affordable awards in the Star Alliance, along with a vast global network, making it a top choice for maximizing miles.

Why it shines:

  • Award Sweet Spots: Features famously low-cost redemptions, such as domestic US flights (including Hawaii) for just 10,000 miles one-way in Economy.
  • Extensive Global Network: Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline, with over 300 destinations worldwide.
  • Stopover Perks: Enjoy a complimentary stopover in Istanbul to explore two destinations for the price of one.
  • Target Regions: Highly competitive mileage rates for travel to Europe, Asia, and beyond.

What’s happening with Miles&Smiles in 2025:

  • Dynamic Award Pricing: The program has introduced more flexible award rates on some routes, offering more redemption options.
  • Family Pooling: Pool miles with family members to reach award goals faster.
  • Simplified Tier Qualifications: Elite status requirements have been streamlined to make it easier to achieve and maintain status.
  • Sustainability Rewards: Earn extra miles by contributing to Turkish Airlines’ eco-friendly initiatives.
Turkish Miles&Smiles in 2025.

8. Qatar Airways Privilege Club (oneworld)

Qatar Privilege Club

Now using Avios as its currency, Qatar Airways Privilege Club offers seamless integration with other Avios-based programs like British Airways and Iberia, unlocking incredible flexibility and value.

Why it shines:

  • Qsuite: The program is the best way to redeem miles for Qsuite, widely considered one of the world’s best Business Class products.
  • Avios Flexibility: Easily pool and transfer Avios between Qatar, British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair to take advantage of the best redemption rates.
  • Target Region: A fantastic hub for connecting travel between the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America.

What’s New with Qatar Privilege Club in 2025?

  • Conversion Bonuses: Qatar regularly offers conversion bonuses from bank partners, allowing you to get up to 30% more Avios.
  • New Member Promotions: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Avios by joining the program and completing your first flight.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club in 2025.

9. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (SkyTeam)

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Logo

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a must-consider for transatlantic flyers and those looking for high-value partner redemptions. As a SkyTeam member, its reach has expanded significantly.

Why it shines:

  • Partner Awards: Offers strong value on redemptions with partners like Air France, KLM, and Delta.
  • Elite Perks: Provides excellent benefits for frequent Virgin Atlantic flyers, including lounge access and upgrade vouchers.
  • Target Region: A specialist in transatlantic routes to the UK, with growing connections to Asia.

What’s new with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club in 2025?

  • New Routes: The airline has added new routes to its network, including Accra, Ghana, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Increased Frequencies: More frequent flights on popular routes like London to Barbados.
  • New Partnerships: Expanded partnerships with airlines like TAP Air Portugal provide even more ways to earn and redeem points.
Virgin Atlantic FlyingClub in 2025.

10. Etihad Guest

Etihad Guest

Etihad Guest is an award-winning program from Etihad Airways that offers unique benefits for travelers seeking exceptional experiences, particularly in premium cabins.

Why it shines:

  • Luxury Focus: Known for exceptional redemption opportunities in its world-class First and Business Class cabins.
  • Flexible Options: Redeem miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, and unique travel experiences.
  • Target Region: A fantastic choice for travel to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

What’s new with Etihad Guest in 2025?

  • Major Route Expansion: Etihad has announced 10 new routes for 2025, including destinations like Atlanta, Taipei, and Hanoi.
  • Increased Frequencies: More flights to popular destinations like Milan and Düsseldorf.
  • Miles Expiration Policy Update: As of June 2024, the only way to extend miles validity is by earning or redeeming miles on an Etihad or partner flight.
Etihad Guest in 2025.

11. GOL Smiles

GOL Smiles

GOL Smiles continues to be a standout program for domestic travel within Brazil and those exploring South America. Its extensive partner network makes it a surprisingly versatile option.

Why it shines:

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Holds partnerships with over 57 airlines, including members of all three major alliances like Delta, American Airlines, KLM, and Emirates.
  • Clube Smiles: One of the world’s first miles subscription services, offering monthly miles, exclusive discounts, and faster elite status qualification.
  • Domestic Strength: Extensive coverage in Brazil and South America makes it easy to explore the continent.
  • Focused Rewards: Ideal for travelers frequently flying within South America or looking for cost-effective international award tickets.

What’s happening with GOL Smiles in 2025?

  • Financial Restructuring: GOL is undergoing financial restructuring, which may lead to changes in the Smiles program to ensure its long-term stability.
  • Focus on Profitability: The airline’s 5-year plan could lead to adjustments in how members earn and redeem miles.
  • Fleet Renewal and Expansion: GOL plans to grow its fleet, which may bring new routes and opportunities for Smiles members.

Explore the Best Programs by Alliance

Understanding the strengths of each airline alliance is fundamental to a smart points strategy. To help you navigate this, we’ve created dedicated guides for each of the big three:

Other Programs Worth Looking Into

Asia-Pacific

Middle East

  • Emirates Skywards: Known for its luxurious flight options and good redemption opportunities, especially in premium classes.

South America

  • LATAM Pass: Extensive coverage in South America and part of the Delta partnership network.
  • Aeromexico Rewards: A SkyTeam member with good connectivity within Latin America.
  • Avianca LifeMiles: Part of Star Alliance, known for good redemption rates and frequent mileage sales.

Africa

  • Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles: Good for travel within Africa and internationally, also part of Star Alliance.
  • South African Airways Voyager: Part of Star Alliance, offering decent redemption options within Africa.
  • EgyptAir Plus: A Star Alliance member with benefits for frequent travelers in the Middle East and Africa.

Oceania

  • Virgin Australia Velocity: Strong for domestic and trans-Tasman travel, with valuable partnerships with United, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad.
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer: A versatile oneworld program with extensive coverage in Australia and valuable premium cabin redemptions.
  • Air New Zealand Airpoints: A straightforward, dollar-based program ideal for domestic and trans-Tasman travel, with Star Alliance for international routes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your Questions Answered

What is the single best frequent flyer program in 2025?

There’s no single “best” program for everyone. The best program for you depends entirely on your personal travel patterns. American AAdvantage is our top pick for its overall balance of valuable redemptions and strong partners. However, if you live in a United hub, MileagePlus might be better. If you have Amex points, Flying Blue or Aeroplan could be your top choice.

Should I join a program in each airline alliance?

It’s a smart strategy, but you don’t need to join every program. A good approach is to have one primary program in each of the three major alliances: oneworld (e.g., AAdvantage), Star Alliance (e.g., United MileagePlus), and SkyTeam (e.g., Flying Blue). This gives you maximum flexibility to find award availability to almost anywhere in the world.

How is dynamic pricing changing the value of miles?

Dynamic pricing, used by programs like Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles, ties the mileage cost of an award ticket more closely to its cash price. This means no more fixed “sweet spots.” While it can lead to very cheap economy awards during off-peak times, it often makes premium cabin redemptions extremely expensive. Programs with fixed award charts (like AAdvantage for partners) offer more predictable, and often better, value for premium travel.

Are co-branded airline credit cards still worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. For most people, credit cards are the fastest way to earn a large number of miles. The sign-up bonuses alone can often be enough for a round-trip international flight. Beyond that, they offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and sometimes even a faster path to elite status, which can easily justify the annual fee.

Find the best award flights, no matter which program.

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