With consumers battling an affordability crisis and fuel prices on the rise, airfare savings will be increasingly important in the months ahead. To help travelers make the best decisions for their wallets, WalletHub today released its report on 2026’s Best Frequent Flyer Programs, which ranks the 10 largest domestic airlines based on 21 key metrics, ranging from the value of a point/mile to blackout dates for reward flights.
WalletHub’s report also features a custom calculator that allows travelers to personalize the results based on their own budget.
Highlights:
- Best Frequent Flyer Program: Alaska Atmos Rewards is the best frequent flyer program of 2026, topping the list for the third year in a row.
- Savings Available to Frequent Flyers: The average airline rewards program saves frequent flyers roughly 7% on airfare, and these programs are all free to join.
- Slightly More Rewarding in 2026: Five of the 10 largest airlines are offering more rewards value in 2026 than in 2025. The top 10 airlines are offering 5% more value than last year, on average.
- Earn and Redeem with Partner Airlines: Only half of the 10 largest U.S. airlines allow program members to earn and redeem miles with partner carriers.
- Overpriced Miles: Airline miles cost an average of 2.5X more than they’re worth when purchased rather than earned.
- Best Airline Credit Card: The JetBlue Plus Card is 2026’s best airline credit card, according to WalletHub’s editors.
“High gas prices and TSA staffing concerns are a major drag on people’s travel plans, but consumers do have some ways to fight back. The best travel rewards credit cards can save you hundreds of dollars quite quickly, assuming you have the good credit needed to qualify, and the best frequent flyer programs can save you an average of 7% on airfare. Frequent flyer programs are free to join and open to everyone. Pair that with your favorite airline’s credit card, and your travel costs won’t be so high anymore.”
- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
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