Airline Program of the Year [Americas] American AAdvantage

American AAdvantage has done it again, winning Program of the Year in the Americas for a third year in a row, squeaking by Avianca to take top place. Even after all these years, AAdvantage delivers value that members appreciate. The program works to keep their elite members happy and many would say that the program offers the best domestic award availability of any U.S. airline and some of the most lucrative international award redemptions in the industry.

And the crowd is pleased with American AAdvantage taking the honors.

Suzanne Rubin, President AAdvantage Loyalty Program, accepts the award, thanking Randy for the event and for all the customers who voted for AAdvantage. And more importantly, she thanks the customers for the candid feedback AAdvatage receives. AAdvantage looks forward to continuing to earn your loyalty. 

Airline Program of the Year [Middle East / Asia / Oceania] Virgin Australia Velocity

This is the second year in a row that Virgin Australia Velocity has won a Freddie for Program of the Year, and the program upped its value ranking from 8.76 last year to an admirable 9.04 this year. The program is known for its ease of award redemption, which goes straight to the heart of a frequent traveler. Velocity offers last seat availability for additional points and members can pay with a combination of points and cash for flight awards. Members can even get a flight on non-partner airlines with their Velocity points.

Thomas Alberts once again accepts the award on behalf of Virgin Australia and will be taking home the program’s fifth Freddie Award of the evening. (Don’t worry, Thomas, we can mail the awards to Australia – you’re into extra bag fees territory now.)

Airline Program of the Year [Europe / Africa] AIR FRANCE – KLM Flying Blue

With an impressive and commanding value vote and percentage of voters for the second year in a row, AIR FRANCE – KLM Flying Blue takes the Program of the Year Freddie Award. Flying Blue offers members a great many ways to earn miles, decent award availability including limited-time Promo Awards of up to 50 percent off and even the lowest level elite members, Silver, get 50 percent more award miles on SkyTeam flights (and then 75 and 100 percent for Gold and Platinum); Gold and Platinum members get free lounge access.

Attending the Freddie Awards this evening from Flying Blue is Herbert Verschuren, Vice President Customer Marketing and Sébastien Reliat-Brunetière, Head of Loyalty Marketing and Communications.

Congratulations, Flying Blue. Sébastien accepts the award.

And in case you would like to keep count … AIR FRANCE – KLM Flying Blue has won four Freddie Awards this evening: Program of the Year, Best Promotion, Best Redemption Ability and Best Loyalty Credit Card.

Best Airline Elite Program [Americas] American AAdvantage

Elite members are happy with American AAdvantage and the program wins Best Elite Program in the Americas for the third consecutive year, just squeezing past Southwest Rapid Rewards. Top-tier elites get eight confirmed one-way systemwide upgrades from most fares and unlimited complimentary upgrades on domestic flights. Platinum members receive a 100 percent flight bonus. Members report that the elite help desk also provides exemplary customer service.

Suzanne Rubin, President AAdvantage Loyalty Program, accepts the award. 

Best Airline Elite Program [Europe / Africa] Lufthansa Miles & More

Lufthansa Miles & More ranked #4 last year in this category, so to find their way to the #1 spot is certainly an accomplishment. Among other benefits, first level Frequent Traveller members get free lounge access while Senators and HON Circle Members may overdraw their Miles & More account temporarily—up to 50,000 miles for Senators and up to 100,000 miles for HON Circle members.