Which frequent flyer programs are best for budget-conscious travelers?

Most major airlines offer frequent flyer programs – a benefits program for frequent flyers. By staying loyal to an airline, you can earn “miles” that you can spend on future flights while also enjoying other benefits. So which US airline frequent flyer program offers the cheapest miles? We’re evaluating the programs of major commercial airlines across the country to find out which one offers the most benefits.

The winner: RapidRewards from Southwest Airlines

We chose Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards as the winning rewards program for a few reasons. You can get big discounts on already discounted flights with the widely recognized budget airline. The Wanna Get Away fare (which is the base economy class fare) earns you 6 points per dollar, and the amount earned increases even further depending on the fare class. You can also earn points by booking hotel stays and rental cars through the airline’s many partners.

Chase Visa cardholders can earn even more points through everyday purchases. These points can be used for free flights, rental cars, hotel stays, and more. Because the flights are already cheap and the number of points per dollar is so high, this is by far the best frequent flyer program in the affordability category.

Runner-up: Alaska Airlines’ mileage plan

Members of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program can earn points by flying on Alaska Airlines or any of the brand’s 30 partner airlines (including American, British Airways and more!). They can also earn miles by booking hotel stays with the airline’s many hotel partners, which include major brands like Best Western and Marriott.

A mile is worth about 1.4 cents per mile. and you’ll earn three miles per dollar spent on every flight. Miles can be spent on a number of things: free flights, hotel stays, magazine subscriptions, and even donations. If you opt for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card, you can also earn more points – so that might be the way to go.

Other close competitors:

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American Airlines’ AAdvantage program

AAdvantage members can earn both loyalty points and miles when booking flights with American Airlines or partners such as JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines. The oneworld frequent flyer network also allows you to earn miles with British Airways and Qatar Airways, so world travelers should keep this in mind. Each mile is equivalent to about 1.7 cents and you get 5 miles per dollar spent per flight (though this rate is higher for

Because the brand partners with a number of other travel companies, you can also earn points by spending at various car rental and hotel companies. The Citi/Advantage and Barclays Advantage Aviator Mastercards also allow members to earn points this way.

SkyMiles from Delta Air Lines

Those who choose Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program can redeem points for free or discounted flights, upgrades, vacation packages and more. Each mile is worth about 1.2 cents, and every dollar spent on a Delta flight earns members 5 miles (which increase based on “status”). You can also earn miles on flights booked through Delta’s many partners, including Air France and Virgin Atlantic.

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are loyalty points that determine your status and therefore all additional benefits. And those who sign up for an American Express Delta SkyMiles credit card can earn both MQDs and miles.

The FRONTIER Miles program from Frontier Airlines

Based on the amount Frontier flight members spend, Border miles The program allows you to earn varying amounts of elite status points and travel miles. You can earn 10 miles for every dollar you spend on a flight, and each mile is worth about $0.01.

Miles can be used for free flights and they can also be earned when you stay at partner hotels and use the Barclays Frontier Airlines World Mastercard. Unlike other programs, points cannot be used for luggage and seats, but those with “elite” status can get free baggage fees, seat upgrades, and more. They’re also known for offering freebies, so keep an eye out for those!

HawaiianMiles from Hawaiian Airlines

HawaiianMiles members earn points based on the distance they fly – not the amount they pay. Hence the saying, “Every mile flown is a mile earned.” If you fly business or first class, you can earn a 50% bonus, while those with “elite” status can earn even more. However, those flying the airline’s basic economy cannot earn miles.

Those who sign up for the Hawaiian AirlinesWorld Elite MasterCard can also earn three miles per dollar spent. Cardholders also receive two free checked bags and other benefits like $100 off a companion’s flight.

TrueBlue by JetBlue

Anyone who chooses JetBlue’s TrueBlue program can earn three points per dollar spent on a main cabin flight. Points can also be earned through spending at partner airlines, certain hotels and even purchases made through the TrueBlue shopping portal. These points can then be spent on JetBlue flights, Hawaiian Airlines flights and JetBlue Vacations packages.

Even more points can be earned through everyday purchases with a JetBlue credit card. Cardholders also receive additional perks like sign-up bonuses—as well as higher “status.” But based on the company’s recent earnings, the loyalty program could be changing.