Marriott and Southwest Airlines once again took top honors at the annual Freddie Awards. The event was held Thursday, recognizing the top travel industry loyalty programs. Rankings are compiled from millions of votes across business travelers in the industry. The ceremony for the awards, named for airline mogul Freddie Laker, was held at the C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
Southwest Airlines and its Rapid Rewards program once again dominated the industry in North America. For the fourth consecutive year, it won as program of the year while it also took top honors for best customer service and best redemption ability. American Airlines was awarded best elite program, largely because of the system-wide upgrades that top-tier frequent flyers at the carrier earn.
For hotel programs, Marriott Bonvoy won program of the year in North America for the 12th year in a row. It also won best redemption ability in North America due to the number of properties available and number of airline transfer partners.
Airlines in the Americas
- Program of the Year — Southwest Airlines – Rapid Rewards
- Best Elite Program — American Airlines – AAdvantage
- Best Customer Service — Southwest Airlines – Rapid Rewards
- Best Redemption Ability — Southwest Airlines – Rapid Rewards
North American Hotel Operators
- Program of the Year — Marriott Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy
- Best Elite Program — Hyatt Hotels – World of Hyatt
- Best Customer Service — Caesar’s Entertainment – Caesars Rewards
- Best Redemption Ability — Marriott Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy
Airlines in Europe and Africa
- Program of the Year — Norwegian Air – Norwegian Reward
- Best Elite Program — Aeroflot – Aeroflot Bonus
- Best Customer Service — Aeroflot – Aeroflot Bonus
- Best Redemption Ability — Air France/KLM – Flying Blue
Hotels in Europe and Africa
- Program of the Year — Accor Hotels – Le Club Accorhotels
- Best Elite Program — Mariott Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy
- Best Customer Service — Accor Hotels – Le Club Accorhotels
- Best Redemption Ability — IHG – IHG Rewards Club
Airlines in Middle East & Asia/Oceania
- Program of the Year — Virgin Australia – Velocity
- Best Elite Program — Virgin Australia – Velocity
- Best Customer Service — Virgin Australia – Velocity
- Best Redemption Ability — Virgin Australia – Velocity
Hotels in Middle East & Asia/Oceania
- Program of the Year — IHG – IHG Rewards Club
- Best Elite Program — Hyatt Hotels – World of Hyatt
- Best Customer Service — Accor Hotels – Le Club Accorhotels
- Best Redemption Ability — IHG – IHG Rewards Club
See the full results at freddieawards.com.
