Determining the best frequent flyer program can vary depending on individual travel habits, preferences, and priorities. However, some frequent flyer programs are widely regarded as leading options due to their extensive route networks, generous rewards, elite status benefits, and overall value.
All frequent flyer programs are free to join and you can sign up for all of them. But you should focus on one primary program to earn status with.
What is a frequent flyer program?
A frequent flyer program is a loyalty program offered by airlines to reward customers. Earning frequent-flyer miles lands passengers a lot of travel perks, and this should, therefore, be something all travelers look into signing up for.
Best Frequent Flyer Programs
The best frequent flyer program depends on your hub city, travel habits, and goals.
Flying Blue by KLM and Air France
Flying Blue is the Air France and KLM frequent flyer program. Flying Blue allows you to collect points when flying with one of their 18 partner airlines. The program allows you to earn air miles for every euro spent – miles that can be used for class upgrades and new tickets.
Certain tiers of Flying Blue also give you access to airport lounges and offer steep discounts on seat options.
One more bonus—you can link your American Express credit card to Flying Blue, helping you rack up additional miles with normal household expenses.
Flying Blue Partner Airlines
AerolÃneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Corsica, Air Europa, Air France, Air Mauritius, airBaltic, Aircalin, Bangkok Airways, Chalair Aviation, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern Airlines, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Garuda Indonesia, GOL, Japan Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Qantas Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, TAROM, Transavia, Twin Jet, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, Winair, Xiamen Airlines.
Miles & More by Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s Miles & More is one of the largest frequent flyer programs in Europe. In addition to Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and SWISS, you can reap rewards with Air China, Air New Zealand, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and South African Airways.
Miles & More ranks towards the top because there are so many big airlines and hotels in this partnership, including the international Marriott chain.
Partner Airlines
Aegean Airlines, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air China, Air Dolomiti, Air India, Air Malta, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Discover Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, LATAM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Luxair, Olympic Airlines, SAS, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, THAI Smile Airways, Turkish Airlines, United, Vistara.
Executive Club by British Airways
British Airways is switching all Executive Club members to a fixed membership from 2025. The update will remove the program’s complexities by aligning the collection year for tier points into a universal status-earning year for its members.
Partner Airlines
British Airways, American Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Southern Airlines.
Do you fly frequently to European cities? Make the most out of flights with these airline loyalty programs in Europe.
