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Frequent flier status is one of those things you either have, or you don't. And while programs have evolved to reward the big spenders over the true frequent fliers in recent years, most travelers are members of one, if not several programs. And on April 28 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the annual award ceremony for the best frequent flier programs was held.
Many people nowadays show no loyalty toward any airline, even if they're a program member. They simply buy whatever fare is the cheapest for when they need to fly. As a baggage handler for one of America's biggest airlines, I see suitcases on every flight with nametags affixed with branding from other airlines. In a way, it makes me smile to know they have chosen mine.
READ MORE: Which Airlines Inspire the Most Brand Loyalty?
Within the Americas, Southwest's Rapid Rewards took home the coveted Program of the Year award, along with Best Customer Service. American's AAdvantage program won Best Elite program (Executive Platinum). American had won Program of the Year for the previous four years.
At this year's ceremony, the awards were given as follows:
Airline (Americas)
Program of the Year - Southwest Airlines - Rapid Rewards
Best Elite Program - American Airlines - AAdvantage
Best Promotion - Avianca - LifeMiles
Best Customer Service - Southwest Airlines - Rapid Rewards
Best Redemption Ability - Avianca - LifeMiles
210 AWARD - Avianca - LifeMiles
Hotel (Americas)
Program of the Year - Marriott Hotels - Marriott Rewards
Best Elite Program - Hyatt - Gold Passport
Best Promotion - MGM - M life
Best Customer Service - Marriott Hotels - Marriott Rewards
Best Redemption Ability - Marriott Hotels - Marriott Rewards
210 AWARD - MGM - M life
Credit Card (Americas)
Best Loyalty Credit Card - Starwood - Starwood Preferred Guest from American Express
Airline (Europe & Africa)
Program of the Year - AIR FRANCE/KLM - Flying Blue
Best Elite Program - Lufthansa - Miles & More
Best Promotion - AIR FRANCE/KLM - Flying Blue
Best Customer Service - AIR FRANCE/KLM - Flying Blue
Best Redemption Ability - AIR FRANCE/KLM - Flying Blue
210 AWARD - Norwegian Air - Norwegian Reward
Hotel (Europe & Africa)
Program of the Year - Accor Hotels - Le Club Accorhotels
Best Elite Program - Starwood - Starwood Preferred Guest
Best Promotion - Accor Hotels - Le Club Accorhotels
Best Customer Service - Accor Hotels - Le Club Accorhotels
Best Redemption Ability - IHG - IHG Rewards Club
210 AWARD - IHG - IHG Rewards Club
Credit Card (Europe & Africa)
Best Affinity Credit Card - Flying Blue American Express Card
Airline (Middle East & Asia / Oceania)
Program of the Year - Virgin Australia - Velocity
Best Elite Program - EL AL - Matmid Club
Best Promotion - EL AL - Matmid Club
Best Customer Service - Virgin Australia - Velocity
Best Redemption Ability - Virgin Australia - Velocity
210 AWARD - Jet Airways - JetPrivilege
Hotel (Middle East & Asia / Oceania)
Program of the Year - Accor Hotels - Le Club Accorhotels
Best Elite Program - Hyatt - Gold Passport
Best Promotion - Accor Hotels - Le Club Accorhotels
Best Customer Service - IHG - IHG Rewards Club
Best Redemption Ability - IHG - IHG Rewards Club
210 AWARD - ITC Hotels - Club ITC
Credit Card (Middle East & Asia / Ocenia)
Best Affinity Credit Card - ADIB Etihad Guest VISA Card
The Freddie Awards began in 1988, created by InsideFlyer Magazine and its creator, Randy Petersen, with a goal of giving voice to the frequent flier. Frequent flier members and people within the awards' respective industries vote for the awards. This year's voting was held from February 15th through March 31st, and a record 24.8 million votes were cast.
READ MORE: Tech of the Week: Points Continues To Enrich Loyalty Programs
The awards themselves were named for Sir Freddie Laker, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to commercial aviation in Great Britain. In 1966, Laker founded Britain's first all-jet airline, Laker Airways that ceased service in 1982. Sir Laker passed away in 2006.
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