WASHINGTON, July 24 — While it can take years before members can redeem benefits from some travel loyalty programmes, Southwest Airlines and Marriott have been singled out for offering some of the most flexible plans in the marketplace for frequent flyers and travellers.
That’s according to a new ranking released by consumer site US News & World Report, which considered various factors when coming up with the most fruitful, worthwhile loyalty programmes for airlines and hotels in the US.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards programme beat out nine other airlines for, among other things, the ease of earning a free round-trip flight, the absence of blackout dates, and for allowing members to earn points with the carrier’s hotel, car rental and rental partners. Chase Visa cardholders can also earn points on everyday purchases.
Points are earned for every dollar spent on Southwest flight and can be used on hotel stay and flights.
One major drawback, however, is that the only international destinations for the carrier are Mexico and the Caribbean, making it best for frequent flyers within the US.
To arrive at the ranking, editors took into account the number of daily flights, geographic coverage, benefits, free flight options, and the ease of earning a free, round-trip flight.
When it comes to hotels, the Marriott beat out 15 hotel loyalty programmes namely for its geographic coverage and brand diversity (members earn points at affiliate brands such as the Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard Marriott, Renaissance and Residence).
Members also receive priority check-in, and a free night at participating hotels when they use points to book a consecutive, four-night stay. Points can be used for spa treatments, dining gift cards and merchandise. Marriott Rewards can also be redeemed for flights on partner airlines like United and Delta.
But as editors point out, while redemption options are diverse, rooms at the more premium brands will cost members a large number of points, while top-tier membership is harder to reach than in Starwood or Hilton programmes.
For the full list, meanwhile, visit http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Travel-Rewards/hotel-rewards/ — AFP/Relaxnews
