What's the best airline loyalty program?

Do you regularly travel by plane, whether for business or pleasure? If so, you should definitely take an interest in airline loyalty programs.

These programs - known as «loyalty cards» or «frequent flyer» programs - offer a host of benefits that can make your travels more comfortable, more economical and more enjoyable. But how do they work? And which program should you choose? This article guides you through the world of airline frequent flyer cards.

How to become a frequent flyer

Becoming a frequent flyer and enjoying the benefits of a loyalty card is easier than you think. Here are the key steps:

1. Select a program : The first step is to choose the airline or alliance (Oneworld, SkyTeam, Star Alliance) frequent flyer program that best suits your travel habits. Analyze the airlines you use most often, the destinations you frequent and the benefits that interest you most.
2. Register now: Registration is generally free, and can be done online via the airline or alliance website.
3. Collect miles (or points): you earn miles every time you travel with the airline or its partners. The number of miles earned generally depends on the distance traveled, the booking class and your membership status. Note that you can also earn miles by using partner credit cards, booking hotels or rental cars through the program.
4. Reach a status : by accumulating a certain number of miles or making a certain number of flights in a year, you can reach a higher status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc.). The higher your status, the more benefits you enjoy.

The advantages of airline loyalty cards

The benefits of loyalty cards are many and varied. They generally include :

• Free flights : the main advantage is the ability to use your miles to book free flights to many destinations.
• Upgrades : use your miles or status privileges to upgrade to a higher class (Business or First) and enjoy greater comfort.
• Access to airport lounges : high-status members often benefit from access to airport lounges, offering a relaxation area with drinks, snacks and free Wi-Fi.
• Priority registration : avoid queues at check-in thanks to dedicated member counters.
• Priority boarding : board the plane before other passengers and secure a place for your baggage in the cabin.
• Free extra baggage : benefit from a higher baggage allowance.
• Bonus miles : earn extra miles on your flights based on your status.
• Partner benefits : enjoy discounts and benefits from program partners (hotels, rental cars, restaurants, etc.).

Oneworld vs. SkyTeam vs. Star Alliance: which program to choose?

The three main airline alliances are Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance. Each alliance groups together a number of partner airlines, enabling you to collect and use your miles on a vast network of flights around the world. Here's an overview of each:

• Oneworld:
  • Main airlines : American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas.
  • Highlights : good network in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Often perceived as offering superior service and attractive benefits for frequent flyers.
  • Ideal for : those who travel frequently to and from these regions, or who are looking for a more upscale travel experience.
  • https://www.oneworld.com/members
• SkyTeam :
  • Main airlines : Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, China Eastern, Aeromexico.
  • Highlights : strong presence in Europe, North America and China. Often offers more competitive fares and greater availability of award-winning flights.
  • Ideal for : those who travel frequently to these regions, or who are looking for more affordable award flights.
  • https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/
• Star Alliance:
  • Main airlines : Brussels Airlines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways.
  • Highlights : the world's largest network with the widest coverage of destinations. Offers great flexibility and a wide choice of flights.
  • Ideal for : those who travel to various destinations around the world, or who are looking for the most extensive network.
  • https://www.staralliance.com/fr/about

Choose your destinations

The choice of the most advantageous loyalty program depends largely on your usual destinations. Here are a few examples:

• North America : if you travel frequently in the U.S. and Canada, the American Airlines (Oneworld), Delta Air Lines (SkyTeam) or United Airlines (Star Alliance) programs may be of interest.
• Europe : for travel within Europe, Air France-KLM (SkyTeam), British Airways (Oneworld) or Lufthansa & Brussels Airlines (Star Alliance) are good choices.
• Asia : if you often travel to Asia, Cathay Pacific (Oneworld), China Eastern (SkyTeam), Singapore Airlines or ANA (Star Alliance) may be more suitable.
• Africa : Ethiopian Airlines (Star Alliance) offers an extensive network on the African continent.

In conclusion

Airline frequent flyer programs are a great way to maximize your travels and enjoy exclusive benefits. By choosing the program that best suits your travel habits and accumulating miles wisely, you can enjoy free flights, upgrades and a more enjoyable travel experience. So don't wait any longer, join a frequent flyer program and start reaping the rewards of your travels!