March 2025 – For frequent flyers, airline loyalty programs can help spending go further with opportunities to unlock free flights, upgrades, and exclusive perks, such as lounge access and priority boarding. Whether you’re a business traveller looking for first-class upgrades or an occasional flyer hoping to maximise your air miles, there are many rewards available with choosing the right airline.
So, which airline loyalty program is right for you? Airport parking specialist Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has created a comprehensive guide comparing the top airline loyalty schemes, available at www.aph.com/airlineloyaltyprograms.
From lounge access and free flights to discounted car rentals and hotel stays, loyalty points can make travel even more rewarding while also saving money. Airlines such as Air France and American Airlines allow members to redeem points not only for flights but also for travel-related perks. The value of loyalty points varies by program, with some offering higher redemption flexibility and others increasing rewards for frequent flyers.
Top-tier choices include Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and Air Canada’s Aeroplan Business Class, offering some of the best returns at 1.5 pence per point, closely followed by British Airway’s Executive Club ranging between 1-1.5 pence. Whereas Skywards with Emirates (0.48 pence) and Flying Blue with Air France for short-haul economy passengers (0.24–0.4 pence) offer the lowest return value for points. However, with Air France, long-haul business class members of the Flying Blue scheme can earn 2 pence per point, making them a good choice for premium travellers.
When it comes to earning miles or points, travellers have a few options with airlines such as Air Canada, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines reward members for everyday spending, such as shopping and dining. While JetBlue, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic stand out with their pooling options, allowing families to combine and build points together.
For flyers looking to get the most out of their journey, the benefits vary depending on the number of points and membership tier. Most airlines such as Air Canada and United Airlines allow members to use points in return for airport lounge access whereas Qatar Airways only extend this to Silver members and Virgin Atlantic for Gold members.
There are also extra perks to enjoy such as additional hold baggage, free seat selection and priority boarding depending on which member tier travellers qualify for. For example, members of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club have access to extra hold baggage and priority boarding in the Silver and Gold tiers, but not in the Red tier which includes ‘Advanced economy boarding’. Some of the other airline benefits including free inflight messaging with British Airways Executive Club and complimentary inflight drinks with the TrueBlue membership available with JetBlue.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), said, “Savvy travellers get the most out of their trips with frequent flyer programs already an important part of their overall travel experience. By creating the APH guide, we hope can help all frequent travellers choose the best loyalty program for their needs and make the most of the travel rewards available.”
For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) visit www.aph.com
or call 01342 859515.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Images
- Image Caption 1: Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has compared 2025 airline loyalty programs.
- Image Caption 2: Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has compared 2025 airline loyalty programs.
- High res images can be downloaded from https://www.dropbox.com/AirlineLoyaltyPrograms
About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)
Established in 1980, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an award-winning airport parking operator and retailer, winning the ‘Best Airport Parking Company’ award at the British Travel Awards 2024 for the fourteenth year running. APH also carries Which? Recommended Provider status having been voted as one of the best services available in the airport parking industry in September 2024. In addition to APH’s own car parks serving Gatwick and Manchester Airports, APH also offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels, airport lounges and via trusted partners other extras such as car hire and travel insurance.
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