In the competitive world of air travel, airlines offer rewards programs to incentivize customer loyalty. Today, we'll compare four major airline rewards programs: United's MileagePlus, Southwest's Rapid Rewards, Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan, and JetBlue's TrueBlue.

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United Airlines: MileagePlus

United's MileagePlus¹² is one of the largest loyalty programs in the world, with over 100 million members. The program offers miles for flying United and its partners, as well as non-flight activities like credit card spending, shopping, and dining¹. The miles never expire and can be used for award travel on the airline¹. However, United recently devalued the MileagePlus program by increasing award rates by up to 122% without advanced notice¹.

Southwest Airlines: Rapid Rewards

Southwest's Rapid Rewards¹⁴¹⁵ is a solid rewards program for Southwest loyalists. The program offers the same rewards and sign-up bonus as on Southwest's pricier cards¹⁴. The Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers solid travel protections and an anniversary point bonus that could offset more than half of the annual fee¹⁴. However, it doesn't travel as well as its sibling cards with higher annual fees¹⁴.

Alaska Airlines: Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan56 caters to flyers who frequent various destinations in Alaska, West Coast cities, and major transportation hubs. Members can earn miles on every Alaska Airlines flight and eligible flights on Alaska Airlines' 23 partner airlines. Most fare categories can earn you one point per mile flown, up to two points per mile (if you fly the best first class). The miles can be used toward free flights on Alaska Airlines and other participating carriers. The program is ranked No. 1 in the Best Airline Rewards Programs56. 

JetBlue: TrueBlue

JetBlue's TrueBlue program⁶⁷ best serves travelers based in East Coast cities who primarily fly domestically and to the Caribbean, Central and South America, or London⁶. The points are extremely easy to earn and redeem, making the program ideal for casual travelers⁷. However, redemptions are largely restricted to flights in the Americas⁷. Another thing to be aware of is however that their points can be adjusted at any time per their terms, “TrueBlue points have no set dollar value and there is not a points-to-dollars conversion rate.” Additionally, they also make it easy to pool points with friends and family. You can use those combined points for yourself, or if you want to leave the points pool you can leave with the unused points you have left.

Ranking from Best to Worst

1. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Offers the most comprehensive benefits and has been ranked No. 1 in the Best Airline Rewards Programs5.

2. United MileagePlus: Despite the recent devaluation, the program's size and flexibility still make it a strong contender¹.

3. JetBlue TrueBlue: Ideal for casual travelers and those based in East Coast cities⁷.

4. Southwest Rapid Rewards: A solid program for Southwest loyalists, but it doesn't travel as well as its sibling cards with higher annual fees¹⁴.

All of these programs are offered via the same software/website, Points.com, which ought to make it easier to sign up for all of them in case you find yourself flying to different cities then you normally travel. Even better, none of these programs’ points expire; use them when you need them!

In conclusion, while all these programs offer valuable rewards, the best program for you depends on your specific travel needs and airline preferences. Always consider factors such as your travel frequency, preferred destinations, and spending habits when choosing a rewards program. Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll earn the most points and perks if you use a particular airline’s credit card on their most premium fares through their website or app; that will get your points or miles multiplied faster.

References

(1) Complete guide to United Airlines MileagePlus - The Points Guy. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/know-united-mileageplus/.

(2) United Frequent Flyer Program: Pros and Cons - NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/united-frequent-flyer-program-pros-cons.

(3) Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review: Solid Rewards for Less. https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/southwest-rapid-rewards-plus.

(4) Southwest Rapid Rewards: What to Know - NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/southwest-rapid-rewards-complete-guide.

(5) Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Review | U.S. News Travel. https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/travel-rewards/airline-rewards/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan/.

(6) Your guide to earning and redeeming with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/alaska-mileage-plan-guide/.

(7) JetBlue TrueBlue Review | U.S. News Travel. https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/travel-rewards/airline-rewards/jetblue-trueblue/.

(8) The complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue program. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/jetblue-trueblue-program/.

(9) United Airlines MileagePlus Loyalty Program Review - Upgraded Points. https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/united-airlines-mileageplus-loyalty-program/.

(10) United MileagePlus: What You Need to Know - NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/united-airlines-mileageplus-program-the-complete-guide.

(11) 5 Things You Need to Know About United Airlines MileagePlus. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/5-to-know-united-mileageplus/.

(12) JetBlue TrueBlue Program Guide - The Balance. https://www.thebalancemoney.com/jetblue-trueblue-program-5095215.

(13) JetBlue TrueBlue Loyalty Program Review - Upgraded Points. https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/jet-blue-trueblue-loyalty-program/.

(14) Best Airline Rewards Programs for 2023-2024 | U.S. News Travel. https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/travel-rewards/airline-rewards/.

(15) Best frequent flyer programs in the US for 2024 - The Points Guy. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-frequent-flyer-programs/.

(16) The best airline loyalty programs worldwide | TravelPerk. https://www.travelperk.com/blog/airline-loyalty-programs-comparison/.

(17) Best Travel Rewards Programs for 2023-2024 | U.S. News Travel. https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/travel-rewards/.

(18) Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More. https://bing.com/search?q=Southwest+Rapid+Rewards+review.

(19) Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More. https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority.

(20) Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/reviews/southwest-rapid-rewards-plus-credit-card/.

(21) Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/reviews/chase-southwest-rapid-rewards-premier/.

(22) Alaska Mileage Plan: What to Know - NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-your-complete-guide.

(23) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MileagePlus.