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Getting the most out of your dollar is important for every traveler.
According to a recent ranking, there is a new No. 1 rewards program.
American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program is at the top of the leaderboard in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Travel Rewards Programs rankings.
The AAdvantage program takes the lead from Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, which held the No.1 spot for 11 straight years, a U.S. News July 22 release said.
What does the program offer?
The airline program benefits travelers based in cities throughout the United States and offers flights around the world. The airline boasts major hubs like New York City, Los Angeles and Miami, but also secondary markets.
AAdvantage members earn loyalty points and base miles for every American Airlines and American Eagle flight, plus flights on airlines in American’s extensive partner network. The airline’s large network earned a five out of five rating in that U.S. News’ scorecard category.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks to the program according to the report:
Pros to AAdvantage
- Miles can be collected and redeemed with more than 1,000 partner companies
- Largest U.S. network ensures variety of flight options
- Loyalty point rewards offer additional benefits between status levels
Cons to AAdvantage
- Lower airline quality score than competitors
- AAdvantage miles expire after two years of inactivity
- Cannot earn miles or status points on basic economy tickets
How do the rankings work?
To determine the 2026-2027 travel rewards programs rankings, U.S. News evaluates membership benefits, network coverage, ease of earning and redeeming points or miles, hotel property diversity and hotel and airline quality.
Unlike last year’s rankings, this year includes expanded scoring for additional member benefits and more frequent airline and hotel data collection.
“Whether travelers are planning for a family vacation or for a work trip, choosing the right loyalty program or travel brand can make a meaningful difference in both value and overall experience,” U.S. News senior travel editor Elizabeth Von Tersch said in the release. “The 2026-2027 rankings combine robust data and expert analysis to help consumers identify the airlines, hotels and rewards programs that best fit the way they travel.”
Another airline highlighted
In the U.S. News report, United Airlines was named No. 1 in the new Best U.S. Airlines for Business Travelers rankings. The airline stood out for its flight availability, elite benefits and traveler experience.
Other airlines include Allegiant and Breeze.
2026-2027 Best Travel Rewards Programs Rankings
This year’s U.S. News rankings also introduced rankings on the Best Hotel Brands for Business Travelers and Best U.S. Airlines for Business Travelers.
Hotel Rewards Programs
- Wyndham Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy
- World of Hyatt
- Choice Privileges
- Sonesta Travel Pass
Hotel Brands for Business Travelers
- Marriott International
- Hilton Worldwide
- IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Hyatt Hotels
- Choice Hotels
Airline Rewards Programs
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Atmos Rewards
- United MileagePlus
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Delta SkyMiles
U.S. Airlines for Business Travelers
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Southwest Airlines