2025 will be 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!

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

1. SAS EuroBonus (SkyTeam)

With SAS now part of SkyTeam, SAS EuroBonus continues to shine for Scandinavian travelers. High availability, companion vouchers, and strong partner redemptions make it a standout.

Why it shines:

• Great Redemption Rates: While availability might be more limited compared to other programs such as Flying Blue or US-based programs, EuroBonus is among the few programs that haven’t adopted dynamic pricing yet, and keeps a fixed-pricing scheme.
• Companion Vouchers: Fly premium cabins such as Air France, KLM, Delta One Suites, or Garuda Indonesia Business Class for half the points with Amex 2-for-1 vouchers. Only valid in Norway and Sweden.
• Upgrade Opportunities: Their ongoing partnership with the SAS Mastercard brings the FlyPremium benefit, which allows members to upgrade to SAS Plus and SAS Business for free. Only valid in Norway and Sweden.
• Target Region: Scandinavia, Europe, and worldwide through SkyTeam.

What’s making EuroBonus even better in 2025:

• New SkyTeam Partnership: A major shift for EuroBonus in 2025 is its exciting new partnership with SkyTeam. This opens up a world of opportunities with airlines like Delta, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air, giving you more options to earn and redeem points across the globe.
• Seamless Nordic Travel: Lots of codeshare agreements with other SkyTeam airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and others. Smooth connections in Scandinavia and beyond.
• Focus on Sustainability: SAS is committed to sustainable travel, and EuroBonus reflects this with new initiatives to reward eco-conscious choices. Earn extra points for booking flights with lower carbon emissions or offsetting your travel footprint.
• Improved Digital Experience: Easily Manage your EuroBonus account through the redesigned SAS app and upcoming website. Track your bookings, points, boarding progress, countries you’ve been and even planes you’ve flown. Plus, access personalized offers and benefits all in one place.

Pro tip: With SAS joining SkyTeam, now is the perfect time to explore new destinations and airlines. Search for SAS EuroBonus awards using AwardFares. Check out more of our SAS EuroBonus resources here.

2. Aeroplan (Star Alliance)

While many loyalty programs promise the world, Air Canada’s Aeroplan delivers. In 2025, Aeroplan continues to be a top choice for savvy travelers, offering a compelling combination of extensive network reach, user-friendly redemption options, good benefits, and high-value points.

Here’s why Aeroplan shines:

• Unrivaled Network: As a proud member of the Star Alliance, Aeroplan offers a vast network of airlines and 1300 destinations spanning the globe.
• Family-Friendly Perks: Enjoy generous benefits like free checked bags for the whole family, making travel more affordable.
• Stopover Magic: Craft unique itineraries that can add a stopover on round-trip award bookings, 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:

• Status Perks Extended: Aeroplan understands that travel plans evolve. That’s why they’ve extended the status validity for existing members to January 31, 2025. Reach status in 2025, and it’s yours until January 31, 2026!
• Flight Pass Power-Up: Elite members now enjoy amplified benefits with Flight Passes. Earn both bonus eUpgrade credits and bonus Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) upon completion, maximizing your rewards.
• Simplified Elite Benefits: Aeroplan has streamlined its Select Benefits, offering a more straightforward and rewarding experience for 50K members and above.
• Bonus Points Bonanza: Take advantage of Aeroplan’s frequent points sales, like the recent one with a 100% bonus! Stretch your travel budget and make those dream trips a reality.

Pro tip: Aeroplan is a great program to search and book First Class cabins, such as Lufthansa First, try searching with one click awards here. Check out more of our Aeroplan resources here

3. AAdvantage (oneworld)

American Airlines AAdvantage continues to stay on top of the competition in 2025. AAdvantage remains a top choice for both hardcore and casual travelers with a strong network of partners, enticing award rates, and a strong focus on global travel. But what truly sets AAdvantage apart this year is its commitment to enhancing the program with valuable new features and rewarding long-term loyalty. Introducing lifetime status tiers for its most dedicated members, AAdvantage recognizes and celebrates those who have made American Airlines their preferred carrier. Coupled with expanded reward options and a continued emphasis on accessible status qualification, AAdvantage solidifies its position as a leader in the frequent flyer arena.

Why it shines:

• Partner Airlines: Access carriers like British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Japan Airlines.
• Award Value: Off-peak and select business routes are particularly attractive.
• Target Region: Global, with strong coverage in North America, Europe, and Asia.

What’s making AAdvantage even better in 2025:

• New Lifetime Status Tiers: AAdvantage now offers lifetime status for elite members who reach significant milestones. This recognizes and rewards long-term loyalty, providing elite benefits for a lifetime.
• Expanded Reward Options: Members can now use their miles for a wider range of experiences, including onboard food and beverage purchases, inflight Wi-Fi, and Admirals Club access. This gives members more flexibility and control over how they redeem their rewards.
• More Partners: Start earning and redeeming flights with other airlines such as JetSMART.
• Simplified Status Qualification: AAdvantage has made it easier to achieve elite status in 2025, requiring fewer miles or flight segments. This makes it more accessible for travelers to enjoy the benefits of elite status.
• Exclusive Partnership with Citibank: AAdvantage has forged a new exclusive partnership with Citibank, as now the unique issuer for their co-branded credit cards and new perks coming.

Check out more of our AAdvantage resources here

4. Flying Blue (SkyTeam)

Air France-KLM’s loyalty program, Flying Blue, excels with promo awards and diverse redemption options.

The program’s user-friendly interface and flexible options for spending miles, such as on-flight upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals, further enhance its appeal. Its regular promotions, like discounted award tickets, add exceptional value, making it a compelling choice for frequent and occasional flyers.

Pro tip: Use our Promo Rewards Finder to quickly explore Flying Blue’s promo awards every month. Check out more of our Flying Blue resources here.

Why it shines:

• Promo rewards: Every month, Flying Blue releases a set of awards at an ultra-discounted rate (and not only in Economy Class!). A great opportunity for newcomers and members just starting out in the points and miles game. We’ve taken advantage of these promotions multiple times, including destinations such as Bangkok, Dubai, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
• SkyTeam Dominance: Access a vast network with SkyTeam partners like Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Korean Air
• Flexible Reward Redemptions: Choose from award flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, and even merchandise, offering diverse options for spending your miles. Flying Blue’s miles are flexible and let you easily use your points beyond flights. Value might not be the best, but it’s straightforward.
• Fast Track to More Miles: Earn miles on everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards and partner stores. Co-branded credit cards are available in several countries, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the US.
• Target Region: Europe, North America, and beyond with SkyTeam partners.

What’s new with Flying Blue in 2025?

• Subscribe to Miles: Pay monthly to get a fixed number of miles and snag those awards faster.
• Increased Award Availability: Flying Blue has acknowledged the challenges members face in finding saver-level award availability and is actively working to increase the number of seats available at the lowest mileage levels.
• New partners: SAS is now part of SkyTeam.
• BEWARE of recent point devaluation; some awards are priced higher to increase availability.

5. Alaska Mileage Plan (oneworld)

Alaska Mileage Plan is beloved for its straightforward program and excellent partner awards. Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, and in 2025, they are combining their loyalty programs into a single, unified program. This will provide members with more options for earning and redeeming miles and access to a wider network of destinations.

Why it shines:

• Award Value: Alaska Mileage Plan is renowned for its sweet spots, particularly for flights on partner airlines like Japan Airlines and Emirates. These airlines often offer lower award prices than other major airlines, making it a great value for travelers seeking to redeem their miles.
• Flexible Partners: Alaska Mileage Plan has an extensive network of global partners, including several major airlines and regional carriers. This provides travelers with a wide range of domestic and international travel options.
• No blackout dates: Alaska Mileage Plan has no blackout dates for award travel, meaning members can redeem their miles for flights on any day of the year.
• Generous earning opportunities: Members can earn miles quickly by flying on Alaska Airlines or its partner airlines and using co-branded credit cards and other partners.
• Variety of redemption options: In addition to flights, Alaska Mileage Plan members can also redeem their miles for hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel experiences.
• Target Region: Alaska Mileage Plan is particularly well-suited for travel to and from North America. The airline has a strong presence in this region, with a large fleet of aircraft and numerous routes.

What’s happening with Mileage Plan in 2025?

Alaska Airlines is making significant changes to Mileage Plan in 2025, with a focus on enhancing the member experience and offering more ways to earn and redeem miles:

• Acquisition of Hawaiian and combination into one frequent flyer program: In 2025, Alaska and Hawaiian are expected to rollout a unified loyalty program. This will provide members with more options for earning and redeeming miles and access to a wider network of destinations.
• Earn Elite Qualifying Miles on Award Travel: Starting in 2025, you can earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) on award flights, even on partner airlines. This is a major change that makes it easier to earn elite status with Alaska.
• New Milestone Rewards: Mileage Plan is introducing milestone rewards that allow members to choose perks at various EQM thresholds, starting at just 10,000 EQMs. This makes the program more rewarding for all members, not just those of elite status.
• Simplified Award Charts: Alaska is moving towards simplified award charts with its partners, making it easier to understand how many miles you need for a specific flight. This will eliminate some of the guesswork involved in redeeming miles.
• Enhanced Earning with Partners: While some earning rates on partner airlines are being adjusted, Alaska is also introducing new ways to earn miles with partners like Choice Hotels.

Pro tip: Check out more of our Alaska Mileage Plan resources here

6. Turkish Miles&Smiles (Star Alliance)

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles offers affordable awards, generous partner redemptions, and access to a vast global network, making it a top choice for maximizing Star Alliance miles.

Why it shines:

• Award Sweet Spots: Low-cost redemptions, especially on Star Alliance partners.
• Extensive Global Network: Over 300 destinations worldwide via Turkish Airlines.
• Target Regions: Competitive mileage rates for Europe, Asia, and beyond.
• Stopover Perks: Complimentary stopover options in Istanbul.

What’s happening with Miles&Smiles in 2025:

• Dynamic Award Pricing: Turkish Airlines has introduced more flexible award rates for popular routes, giving travelers greater control over their redemption costs.
• Family Pooling: Members can now pool miles with family members, making it easier to reach award goals together. This is a popular feature in many loyalty programs.
• Expanded Partner Airlines: The program has added new partnerships with non-Star Alliance carriers, significantly increasing redemption options.
• Simplified Tier Qualifications: Elite status requirements have been streamlined, making it easier for members to achieve and maintain their preferred tier.
• Mobile App Enhancements: Updated features for easier award searches and real-time booking.
• Sustainability Rewards: Miles&Smiles members can now earn extra miles by contributing to Turkish Airlines’ eco-friendly initiatives, such as planting trees or offsetting carbon emissions.
• Miles&Smiles Experiences: The program has introduced curated experiences that can be purchased with miles, such as unique tours, concert tickets, or access to exclusive events. This adds a new dimension to redeeming miles beyond just flights.

7. United MileagePlus (Star Alliance)

As we step into 2025, United MileagePlus continues to lead as one of the most versatile and valuable frequent flyer programs. With a focus on innovation, global reach, and customer satisfaction, MileagePlus remains a top choice for travelers navigating an increasingly interconnected world. Its strong Star Alliance partnerships, competitive upgrade options, and expansive network make it a powerhouse for any type of traveler.

Pro tip: MileagePlus is an excellent program to get great rates on partner airlines instead of United. Check out more of our United MileagePlus resources here

Why it shines:

• Global dominance: Fly United and partners like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and ANA, covering virtually every corner of the globe.
• Valuable upgrades: MileagePlus offers some of the best upgrade opportunities on international routes, especially in higher classes.
• Hub strength: Major hubs in Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco ease connections worldwide.
• Target region: International travelers with a focus on Europe, Asia, and South America.

What’s new with MileagePlus in 2025?

• Higher Elite Status Requirements: Qualification thresholds for Premier status have increased by 20-25% across all tiers.
• Starter PQP Deposits: Existing Premier members receive bonus PQPs to help meet the new requirements.
• Improved Credit Card Earning Rates: Co-branded cards now earn more PQPs per dollar spent, with higher annual caps.
• Flexible PlusPoints Redemption: New options to use PlusPoints, including earning PQPs, TravelBank credits, bonus miles, and gifting status.
• Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout: Faster, more reliable in-flight internet launching in spring 2025, free for MileagePlus members.
• New Dynamic Reward Options: Expanded dynamic pricing for award tickets provides more flexible redemption opportunities.
• Sustainability Focus: Enhanced carbon offset options for award travel.
• Expanded Routes: New direct international flights to key destinations in Asia, Europe, and South America.

8. Qatar Airways Privilege Club (oneworld)

Now using Avios, Qatar Airways Privilege Club offers easy integrations with British Airways and Iberia.

Why it shines:

• Qsuite: Redeem for one of the best business class products in the world.
• Avios Flexibility: Pool and transfer Avios with other programs.
• Target Region: Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

What’s New with Qatar Privilege Club in 2025?

Qatar Airways has started the new year with several offers for Privilege Club members. Here are a few of the highlights:

• New conversion bonus: Qatar Airways is offering a 30% conversion bonus for some banks in Australasia. This means that you can now convert your credit card reward points into Avios at a discounted rate.
• New promotions and partner offers: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Avios when you join Privilege Club by 31 December 2025 and travel by 30 June 2026.

9. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (SkyTeam)

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a must-consider for transatlantic flyers.

Why it shines:

• Partner Awards: Strong value on and Delta.
• Elite Perks: Great benefits for frequent Virgin flyers.
• Target Region: Transatlantic and Asia.

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

• New Routes: Virgin Atlantic has added several new routes to its network, including Accra, Ghana, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Increased Frequencies: The airline has also increased the frequency of some existing routes, such as the London Heathrow to Barbados route, which now has three direct flights per week.
• New Partnerships: Virgin Atlantic has formed new partnerships with several other airlines, including TAP Air Portugal and Air France-KLM. This means that Flying Club members can now earn and redeem points on a wider range of flights.

10. Etihad Guest

Etihad Guest is an award-winning loyalty program of Etihad Airways that offers unique benefits for travelers seeking exceptional experiences. With its focus on luxury, flexibility, and a wide range of redemption options, Etihad Guest stands out as a compelling choice for those exploring the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Why it shines:

• Luxury Focus: Exceptional redemptions in premium cabins.
• Flexible Options: Redeem for flights, hotels, and more.
• Target Region: Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

What’s new with Etihad Guest in 2025?

• New Routes for 2025: Etihad Airways announced a major network expansion with 10 new routes launching in 2025, including exciting destinations like Atlanta, Taipei, and Hanoi. This gives Etihad Guest members even more travel options and opportunities to earn miles.
• Increased Frequencies: Etihad is increasing flight frequencies to popular destinations like Milan and Düsseldorf in 2025, offering more flexibility and convenience for travelers. Etihad reported significant passenger growth in December 2024, carrying 1.7 million passengers, a 20% increase compared to the previous year. This demonstrates the airline’s strong recovery and positive trajectory.
• Miles Expiration Policy Update (June 2024): Etihad Guest updated its miles expiration policy. Now, the only way to extend miles validity is by earning or redeeming miles on Etihad or a partner airline.

11. GOL Smiles

GOL Smiles continues to be a standout frequent flyer program for Brazilian domestic travelers and those exploring South America. As of 2025, it remains a go-to option for its extensive partner network and strong presence in Brazil’s domestic market.

Why it shines:

• Unmatched Flexibility: Partnerships with 57+ airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Avianca, American Airlines, KLM, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, offering a wide range of redemption options.
• Clube Smiles (Smiles Club): One of the world’s first miles subscription services offering monthly miles, bonus miles, faster elite status qualification, discounts, promotions, and extended mile validity, with various tiers to suit different travel needs and budgets.
• Domestic Strength: GOL Smiles has extensive coverage in Brazil and South America, making it easy to get to where you need to go.
• 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 currently undergoing a financial restructuring process, aiming to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy by late April 2025. This process involves reducing debt and securing new financing, which could lead to changes in the Smiles program to improve its long-term stability.
• Focus on Profitability: GOL’s 5-year plan emphasizes increasing profitability. This could translate to adjustments in how Smiles members earn and redeem miles, potentially with a focus on higher-value customers.
• Fleet Renewal and Expansion: GOL plans to grow its fleet to 169 aircraft by 2029. This expansion may bring new routes and opportunities for Smiles members to earn and redeem miles.

Other Programs Worth Looking Into

Asia-Pacific

• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands: Provides generous mileage accrual and redemption options, which are particularly strong for travel in Asia and across the Pacific.
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: Highly regarded for its excellent service and favorable redemption rates for premium cabins
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: Offers a good balance of earning and redemption options, especially within Asia.

Middle East

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

South America

• LATAM Pass: Offers extensive coverage in South America and is part of the Oneworld alliance.
• Aeromexico Club Premier: Part of the SkyTeam alliance, it offers good connectivity within Latin America and beyond.
• Avianca LifeMiles: Known for its good redemption rates, especially for Star Alliance flights.

Africa

• South African Airways Voyager: Offers decent redemption options within Africa and is part of the Star Alliance.
• Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles: Good for travel within Africa and internationally, as part of the Star Alliance.
• EgyptAir Plus: Offers benefits for frequent travelers within the Middle East and Africa, and is a Star Alliance member.

Oceania

• Virgin Australia Velocity: A strong choice for domestic and trans-Tasman travel, with competitive award rates and partnerships with Delta, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad, offering excellent global reach.
• Qantas Frequent Flyer: This versatile program offers extensive coverage in Australia and beyond, with strong oneworld partnerships and valuable redemption options for premium cabins.
• Air New Zealand Airpoints: This straightforward program has no complex points conversions and is ideal for domestic and trans-Tasman travel. Its partnership with Star Alliance expands options for international routes.

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