US News: 'Choice Privileges, Alaska Airlines offer best travel rewards'

U.S. News & World Report, a source for "Best Hotels" and "Best Cruise Lines," has unveiled its 2025-2026 Best Travel Rewards Programs, revealing that Choice Privileges and Alaska Airlines offer the best perks and easiest ways to earn and redeem points and miles.

Hotel Rewards: Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges has secured the No. 1 spot on the Best Hotel Rewards Programs. After a decade in the top five, Choice Privileges offers expanded options from budget to luxury, thanks to its acquisition of Radisson and enhanced partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Members may quickly earn free nights and elite status, easily attainable after just 10 nights, which unlocks valuable benefits like room upgrades. Wyndham Rewards came in at No. 2, praised for its easy free nights and vast global network, with World of Hyatt holding strong at No. 3.

Airline Rewards: Alaska Airlines

For the 11th year running, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan remains the top Airline Rewards Program. Its unique mileage-based earning system ensures elite status access regardless of ticket price, with first-tier benefits including free upgrades and checked bags. Membership in the oneworld Alliance also provides global access and increased perks. United MileagePlus moved up to No. 2, and American Airlines AAdvantage ranked No. 3, both benefiting from high flight volume and strong network scores.

U.S. News' methodology assessed membership benefits, network coverage, ease of earning and redeeming points, hotel diversity and airline quality. Updates for 2025-2026 include new data collection processes and a more detailed look at additional benefits, along with 2024 Bureau of Transportation data for airline quality