How to Create a Frequent Flyer Program: 11 Industry Examples

Frequent flyer programs have become the most profitable branch of the airline industry—for example, Delta Air Lines earned as much as $6.8 billion from their loyalty program partnerships in 2023 alone. What contributed to this success? Let’s find out what the best airline loyalty programs have in common – and how to create one based on their examples.

Customer Loyalty in the Airline Industry

A lot has changed since the world’s first frequent flyer program was launched by Texas International Airlines in 1979. From free flights offered for accumulated miles to multi-layered partnerships with hotels, retailers, car rentals, or even credit card companies—loyalty programs in the airline industry have evolved into a very profitable undertaking of its own, often surpassing the core airline business in financial value. 

Some food for thought—or rather numbers that highlight the frequent flyer programs’ importance:

• 64% of travelers take three or more trips in a year
• 43.9% of both business and leisure travelers give 76-100% of their business to their preferred airline
• 33% of frequent flyer program members claim they would not switch to another brand even if they were to achieve a higher status level
• Creating a “mile” costs an airline less than 0.5 cents, but the same mile can be sold to partners for 2-3 cents
• For both Delta and American Airlines, co-branded credit card partnerships from their loyalty programs contribute to over 30% of their whole respective revenue.

In 2025, the loyalty programs in the airline industry keep on thriving on emphasized exclusivity, premium tiers, increasingly diversified collaborations, and personalized travel services. A lot of those are made possible by the adaptation of advanced technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and big data analytics. 

The only catch is—the more programs use it, the harder it becomes to stand out from the competition. So, what can airlines do to make their frequent flyer programs shine? If you wonder how to build your own successful airline loyalty program, take a look at how the industry’s masters do it.

11 Frequent Flyer Programs: Examples to Learn From

MileagePlus by United Airlines

1. Program overview
With over 100,000,000 members and a partner network, including 11,000 restaurants and over 30,000 hotels, Mileage Plus by United Airlines is one of the biggest and most successful frequent flyer programs out there. As of 2024, the program generates nearly $2 billion in EBITDA, which represents more than ¼ of United’s total EBITDA. How did the airline get here?
Mileage Plus was first launched in 1981 and designed to reward both leisure and business travelers, with a focus on frequent flyers. The program uses a tiered structure to provide enhanced benefits for higher-status members and has a global reach through its Star Alliance partnerships.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, points-based program.
• How points are earned: Miles are earned based on ticket price, distance flown, and spending with partners (e.g., credit cards, hotels, retail).
• Tiers and thresholds: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K based on miles earned or Premier Qualifying Points (PQP).
• Redemption options: Flights, seat upgrades, hotels, car rentals, exclusive experiences, and via the MileagePlus X app for retail purchases.
• Partnerships: Integrated with Star Alliance, Chase co-branded credit cards, and hotel and car rental partners.

3. Differentiating features

• Global access through Star Alliance.
• Dynamic award pricing based on demand.
• No expiration of frequent flyer miles.
• MileagePlus X app for earning miles on everyday purchases.

AAdvantage by American Airlines

1. Program overview
Established in 1981, AAdvantage is one of the biggest loyalty programs not just in the US but all over the world. In the third quarter of 2024, American Airlines reported record revenues of $13.6 billion, a success largely attributed to the strength of AAdvantage. Targeting frequent flyers and offering tiered benefits for elite members, AAdvantage allows passengers to earn and redeem their miles on flights, upgrades, and non-airline purchases.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, points-based program.
• How points are earned: Members earn miles based on ticket price, elite status, and spending with partners (e.g., credit cards, hotels, rental cars).
• Tiers and thresholds: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum, based on Loyalty Points earned.
• Redemption options: Flights, seat upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and non-travel redemptions through partners.
• Partnerships: oneworld alliance, Citi and Barclays credit cards, hotel and car rental partners.

3. Differentiating features

• Loyalty Points system integrated with a wide range of partners.
• Exclusive MileSAAver awards offering discounted flight redemptions.
• Instant upgrade eligibility for higher-tier members.

Aeroplan, Air Canada

1. Program overview
Aeroplan, founded in 1984, is Air Canada’s airline rewards program, redesigned in 2020 to provide a simplified and more rewarding experience. It targets both leisure and business travelers with a focus on redeemable benefits and global travel through Star Alliance.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, points-based.
• How points are earned: Based on ticket price, distance flown, and spending with partner brands.
• Tiers and thresholds: Aeroplan 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite based on Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Segments.
• Redemption options: Flights, upgrades, hotels, rental cars, and merchandise.
• Partnerships: Star Alliance, TD, CIBC, and American Express co-branded cards, retail partnerships.

3. Differentiating features

• Family sharing allows members to combine miles for faster redemptions.
• Customizable rewards through Air Canada, enabling flexible reward bookings.
• No fuel surcharges on Air Canada flights.

Executive Club by British Airways

1. Program overview
Founded in 1995, the British Airways Executive Club now boasts over 13 million members worldwide. It’s a simple point-based program using a loyalty currency called “Avios” that members can spend on flights, upgrades, hotels, cars, and other travel rewards. The program is free to join and targets both leisure and business travelers.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, points-based using Avios.
• How points are earned: Based on fare class, distance flown, and partner spending, including credit cards, hotels, and car rentals.
• Tiers and thresholds: Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, with status determined by Tier Points.
• Redemption options: Flights, seat upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and merchandise.
• Partnerships: oneworld alliance, American Express, and extensive retail and travel partnerships.

3. Differentiating features

• Avios currency, shared across multiple loyalty programs for broader use.
• Household accounts—Avios can be pooled with up to six people who live with the member through the Household Account to earn rewards quicker
• Companion Vouchers for discounted flights or companion tickets

Miles&Smiles by Turkish Airlines

1. Program Overview
Miles&Smiles, the frequent flyer program of Turkish Airlines, is a strategic cornerstone of the airline’s global dominance. As the operator of the world’s largest international route network, Turkish Airlines connects travelers to over 340 destinations across 120+ countries, including many underserved and emerging markets. Miles&Smiles is designed to meet the needs of this diverse customer base, offering unique features for everyone from elite business travelers to students and socially conscious flyers. With a focus on flexibility, inclusivity, and social impact, it stands out as one of the most expansive and value-rich programs in the skies.

2. Key Features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, mileage-based program
• How miles are earned: Based on flight distance, fare class, and through co-branded credit cards and program partners
• Tiers and thresholds: Classic, Classic Plus, Elite, and Elite Plus, based on Status Miles earned annually
• Redemption options: Award flights, seat upgrades, extra baggage, hotel bookings, car rentals, and lifestyle purchases
• Partnerships: Star Alliance network, dozens of airline and non-airline partners, including Turkish Airlines credit cards with convertible miles

3. Differentiating Features

• Mile Overdraft for Elites who can “borrow” up to 10,000 or 15,000 miles respectively when their balance is low.
• Credit card conversion to status, helping members extend or boost their elite status.
• Istanbul Stopover & Touristanbul: Unique transit offerings like complimentary hotel stays or guided city tours make Turkish Airlines stand out as a carrier that rewards layovers.
• Smiling Doctors Program, offering perks to medical professionals willing to assist during in-flight emergencies.
• Student Club, offering discounted fares, additional baggage, and flexible travel terms for students aged 12–25.
• In-flight Wi-Fi access for Miles&Smiles members, with allowances based on tier level.

Flying Blue by Air France

1. Program overview
Flying Blue is the joint loyalty program for Air France and KLM, launched in 2005. It serves frequent flyers across both airlines and their partners in the SkyTeam alliance. The program rewards members with Miles and offers a tiered system of benefits for elite members. Flying Blue focuses on offering flexible redemptions and seamless global travel experiences, appealing to both leisure and business travelers. In the first quarter of 2024, the program generated €196 million of the airline’s total revenue.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, points-based system
• How points are earned: Miles are earned based on the ticket price, distance flown, and additional spending with partner brands, including credit cards, hotels, and car rentals
• Tiers and thresholds: Flying Blue Explorer, Flying Blue Silver, Flying Blue Gold, Flying Blue Platinum, Flying Blue Ultimate
• Redemption options: Flights, upgrades, hotels, car rentals, shopping, and experiences.
• Partnerships: SkyTeam alliance (including airlines like Delta and Alitalia), co-branded credit cards (e.g., American Express), hotels, car rental services, and retail brands.

3. Differentiating features

• Access to the SkyTeam network, offering more than 1,000 destinations worldwide.
• Flying Blue Miles Expiry Policy, which resets when you fly or make a purchase with a partner at least once every 24 months.
• Miles & Cash option, allowing members to pay for flights using a combination of miles and cash for greater flexibility.
• Monthly Promo Rewards, offering discounted flight redemptions on select routes.

Miles & More by Lufthansa Group

1. Program overview
Established in 1993, Miles & More is Europe’s biggest loyalty program, with more than 36.6 million members worldwide. The program uses a tiered structure, offering status-based benefits and the opportunity to earn and redeem miles across the Lufthansa Group and its partners, including Star Alliance members.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, points-based (miles) program.
• How points are earned: Based on fare class, distance flown, and partner spending, including co-branded credit cards, hotels, and retail.
• Tiers and thresholds: Miles & More Member (basic membership level), Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle Member, based on Qualifying Points or HON Circle Points.
• Redemption options: Flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and charitable donations.
• Partnerships: Over 40 airline partners, including Lufthansa Group airlines and Star Alliance network, co-branded credit cards with financial partners like Deutsche Bank, and a wide range of hotel, car rental, and retail brands.

3. Differentiating features

• Largest frequent flyer program in Europe, with over 40 airline partners.
• HON Circle Status, an exclusive top-tier level for ultra-frequent flyers, offering extensive privileges.
• Extensive non-flight redemption options, including merchandise, financial services, and luxury goods.
• Star Alliance integration, providing access to over 1,300 destinations worldwide.

TrueBlue by JetBlue

We’re a revenue-based program, which makes it very clean and easy—for both us and the customer. We also have a lot of built-in mechanisms that align with the company’s ethos and the way we deliver benefits. Edward Pouthier, Director of Loyalty Program and Experience at JetBlue   Source: https://www.comarch.com/trade-and-services/loyalty-marketing/blog/jetblues-loyalty-with-a-personal-touch-edward-pouthier-on-lets-talk-loyalty/

1. Program overview
TrueBlue is JetBlue’s loyalty program designed to reward both frequent and occasional flyers with a flexible, revenue-based points system. Launched in 2002, TrueBlue is known for its straightforward approach to earning and redeeming points, with no blackout dates and a focus on providing customer-friendly perks. In 2023, TrueBlue generated $605 million in revenue for the JetBlue airline.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Revenue-based loyalty points system.
• How points are earned: Points are earned based on the price of the ticket, with bonuses for booking higher fare classes or purchasing via JetBlue’s website or app.
• Tiers and thresholds: TrueBlue Member, Mosaic (elite status) based on earning 15,000 base points or 12,000 base points with 30 flight segments.
• Redemption options: Flights, upgrades, vacation packages, and charitable donations.
  Partnerships: JetBlue has partnerships with American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates, and other international carriers, as well as credit card partners like Barclays.

3. Differentiating features

• No blackout dates for redeeming points on any JetBlue flight.
• Points Pooling, which allows families and friends to combine points for faster redemptions.
• Mosaic elite status offers additional perks like complimentary upgrades, free checked bags, and early boarding.
• Partnership with American Airlines allows JetBlue customers to earn and redeem points on both airlines.
• Points can be used alongside cash—starting with as few as 500 points.
• Flexibility in choosing perks—TrueBlue lets you choose what’s most valuable to you from a menu of Perks You Pick® after just 10 tiles.

Privilege Club by Qatar Airways

1. Program overview
Privilege Club was launched in 2000 to reward frequent flyers with a range of exclusive benefits and privileges. The program uses Avios as its main reward currency. Qpoints are used solely to determine membership tier status and are not redeemable. Privilege Club is popular among business and leisure travelers, offering global travel rewards through Qatar Airways' extensive route network and partnerships with oneworld alliance members.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Tiered, points-based system (Qpoints).
• How Avios are earned: Based on ticket price (fare + carrier-imposed charges), travel class, and booking channel. Additional Avios can be earned through partner brands such as credit cards, hotels, and car rentals.
• Tiers and thresholds: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, Platinum, based on Qpoints earned through qualifying flights.
• Redemption options: Flights, seat upgrades, duty-free shopping in Qatar, hotel stays, car rentals, and charitable donations.
• Partnerships: oneworld alliance, co-branded credit cards (e.g., Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa), hotels, car rental services, and retail partners.

3. Differentiating features

• Qcredits for Gold and Platinum members, which can be used for upgrades, excess baggage, or lounge access.
• Family Program allows family members to pool Avios for faster redemptions.
• Flexibility in redemption with the ability to redeem Avios for a wide range of non-flight options, including shopping and duty-free purchases.
• Global access through oneworld alliance, offering travel rewards across a network of over 1,000 destinations.

Asia Miles by Cathay Pacific

1. Program overview
Asia Miles is Cathay Pacific’s loyalty program that evolved from the former Marco Polo Club, which has now been integrated into the Asia Miles program, offering members a streamlined rewards experience. It is one of the largest travel and lifestyle rewards programs in Asia, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across a wide network of airlines, hotels, and lifestyle brands. Asia Miles targets leisure and business travelers with flexible redemption options and a broad range of partnerships.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Points-based rewards program (miles).
• How points are earned: Miles are earned based on ticket price (revenue), fare class, and partner brands spending, including credit cards, hotels, retail, and dining.
• Tiers and thresholds: Green, Silver, Gold, and Diamond based on Status Points.
• Redemption options: Flights, seat upgrades, hotels, car rentals, shopping, dining, and lifestyle experiences.
• Partnerships: oneworld alliance, over 25 airline partners (including Qantas, British Airways, and American Airlines), co-branded credit cards (American Express, Standard Chartered), hotels, retail, and dining partners.

3. Differentiating features

• Asia's largest travel rewards program, offering a broad range of lifestyle rewards beyond flights.
• Flexible earning and redemption, with a wide network of partners across airlines, hotels, retail, and dining.
• Points don’t expire for members who earn or redeem miles at least once every 18 months.
• Standard Chartered Mastercard holders in Hong Kong earn 20 Status Points for every HK$100,000 they spend in eligible categories, up to 100 Status Points.
• Pay Once, Earn Twice—an exclusive option to multiple earnings by joining the Standard Chartered Mastercard.

AZAL Miles by Azerbaijan Airlines
 

1. Program overview
Established in 1992, Azerbaijan Airlines is the national carrier of Azerbaijan, operating a fleet of 29 aircraft and serving over 50 destinations. Recognized with a 4-star Skytrax rating, Azerbaijan Airlines is committed to delivering high-quality service both in the air and on the ground. Its frequent flyer program, AZAL Miles, rewards loyal travelers with points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and partner services, offering a seamless and rewarding travel experience.

2. Key features

• Type of loyalty program: Points-based, tiered system.
• How points are earned: Based on fare class, travel direction, and amount spent in euros. Additional points can be earned through co-branded banking partners.
• Tiers and thresholds: Classic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, offering increasing privileges at higher levels.
• Redemption options: Flight tickets, seat upgrades, and partner rewards.
• Partnerships: Bank partners, travel services, and select retail partnerships.

3. Differentiating features

• Modular loyalty system powered by Comarch Loyalty Management for a seamless user experience.
• Comprehensive data hub ensuring a personalized approach to rewards and customer engagement.
• Co-branded banking partnerships allowing members to accumulate points beyond flights.
  
  

Building Airline Loyalty Depending on the Region

Lessons Learned: What The Best Airline Rewards Programs Have in Common

Based on the top industry examples that we explored above, the best frequent flyer program should have the following:

1. Tiered structure and elite benefits—to boost the spirit of competitiveness and increase members’ engagement
2. Flexible redemption options—to allow members to choose perks and rewards they’re interested in and make them feel valued
3. Strong partner network—to significantly expand your rewards catalog and make your offer a lot more attractive in the already very competitive market
4. No expiry or flexible expiry of points—to ensure long-term engagement and value for members
5. Family or group sharing options—to make the program more inclusive and rewards more accessible
6. Integrated technology and mobile app—to ensure the comfort of modern, tech-savvy travelers who no longer treat is an option but a necessity
   
   

Emerging Trends in Airline Loyalty and Airline Rewards Programs

We know which trends rule customer loyalty in the airline industry now—but what trends will be flying high in the years to come? With generational shifts and rising environmental concerns, frequent flyer programs as we know them may slowly start evolving their original shape. For example—research shows that only 65% of Gen Z and 70% of Millennials participate in airline loyalty programs compared to 89% of Baby Boomers and 80% of Gen X. 

Is there a way to pique their interest? 

Here are some trends that may take off in the airline loyalty landscape:

• Increased use of AI and Machine Learning for real-time personalization and targeted promotions
• Dynamic pricing for rewards, where the cost in miles fluctuates based on demand, travel dates, and availability
• Sustainability-driven rewards for eco-friendly behavior
• Integration of digital wallets and blockchain
• Partnerships expanding beyond travel & focus on wellness and experiential rewards
• Mobile-first experiences
• Increased gamification of frequent flyer programs to attract Gen Z

Keep in Mind: Status Inflation & Lounge Overcrowding
As more travelers achieve elite frequent flyer statuses—often through lowered post-pandemic thresholds—the perceived value of traditional loyalty benefits is decreasing. Lounge access, once a premium perk for frequent flyers, is now also granted via high-tier credit cards, leading to crowding and longer queues. This trend raises questions about how programs can reintroduce exclusivity and differentiate high-status tiers in a time of mass access.

Summary

From a traveler’s perspective, loyalty programs may seem like no big deal—you just enroll, collect your miles, and exchange them for rewards or new flights. From the business perspective, however, they’re much more complicated. Creating a successful frequent flyer program takes a deep understanding of the region you operate in, the needs of your passengers, and an active interest in the industry trends.

Based on the most successful airline rewards programs examples, the key to success is to include common features, such as tiered structures, partnerships, and lots of personalization (modern customers love it!), but – at the same time—remember about the importance of flexibility and forward-thinking strategies.