Experienced frequent fliers who take advantage of cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages often compare different airlines frequent flier programs. Their goal is to make certain that they are earning as many miles as possible on the program that will generate the most miles for them.
Air Canadas Aeroplan frequent flier program was recognized as the Program of the Year for airlines in the Americas for 2009 at the first annual Frequent Traveler Awards ceremony. Air Canada always won for offering the Best Earning Promotion and Best Redemption. In total Air Canada came in first in the Americas in three of the five main airline categories.
Delta won for Best Redemption Promotion and United for Best Elite-Level Program. Outside of the Americas the top winners were Germanys Lufthansa and Indias Kingfisher Airlines.
The following is a complete list of the winners:
Program of the Year
The Americas Airline: Air Canada Aeroplan
The Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe and Africa Airline: Lufthansa Miles & More
Europe and Africa Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Airline: Kingfisher Airlines King Club
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Hotel: Taj Hotels InnerCircle
Best Redemption Promotion
The Americas Airline: Delta Air Lines SkyMiles (Business Elite for 1 mile)
The Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe and Africa Airline: Lufthansa Miles & More (Deeply discounter award tickets)
Europe and Africa Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Airline: Singapore Airlines (25% of all online redemptions)
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Best Earning Promotion
The Americas Airline: Air Canada Aeroplan (40,000 miles on any fare class within North America)
The Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe and Africa Airline: Lufthansa Miles & More (Double miles Fall 2009)
Europe and Africa Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Airline: Kingfisher Airlines King Club (Business by business promotion)
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Best Redemption Ability
The Americas Airline: Air Canada Aeroplan
The Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe and Africa Airline: Lufthansa Miles & More
Europe and Africa Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Airline: Kingfisher Airlines King Club
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Best Elite-Level Program
The Americas Airline: United Mileage Plus
The Americas Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Europe and Africa Airline: Lufthansa Miles & More
Europe and Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Airline: Kingfisher Airlines King Club
Middle East and Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Best Loyalty Credit Card
The America: Alaska Airlines Visa
Europe and Africa: American Express Membership Rewards
Middle East and Asia/Oceania: American Express Kingfisher First
Loyalty Leadership Award
Hyatt Gold Passport
SAS EuroBonus
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