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.
Virgin Australia Velocity wins in this category for a second consecutive year. Platinum members receive four complimentary upgrades per year on domestic flights from qualifying fares and Gold and Platinum members receive complimentary access to the Virgin Australia lounge. Silver members receive two single entry passes and a discounted annual lounge membership.
More cheers from the crowd for this win.
Thomas Alberts knows his way to the stage by now.
Another repeat winner, Hyatt Gold Passport wins Best Elite Program in Middle East / Asia / Oceania for the fifth consecutive year. Hyatt Gold Passport has some spectacular properties in this region, including the Park Hyatt Maldives and Grand Hyatt Tokyo. On top of blissful stays at luxurious properties, members value the program’s generous elite benefits, including confirmable suite upgrades and free breakfast for Diamond members.
Jeff Zidell, Senior Vice President, Loyalty Marketing accepted the award for Hyatt.
Hyatt Gold Passport wins this category for the second year in a row. Four confirmed suite upgrades at booking and complimentary breakfast for Diamond members are two of the most valued Gold Passport elite benefits. Add in excellent customer service, free Internet for all elite members and you have a winning elite program.
Angie Rose Tynan, Associate Marketing Manager, Rene Mizwicki, Director, Hyatt Gold Passport and Jeff Zidell, Senior Vice President, Loyalty Marketing are in the audience to accept the award.
Starwood is once again singled out for their exceptional elite program. SPG offers Platinum members best available room at check-in, including suites. Platinum members who stay 50 nights a year also receive 10 suite night awards that are confirmable five nights prior to arrival. And Platinum members who stay 75 nights can check in at any time, 24 hours a day. With an annual stay of 100 nights, Platinum members can enjoy the services of a personal ambassador.
Kyndra Russell, Vice President, Loyalty, Digital, Partnership Marketing accepted the award.
This the second consecutive year that the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card has won top honors. Members like the point-earning card that gives them an anniversary bonus of up to 6,000 points and the ability to earn additional Tier Qualifying Points when using the card. Plus, only credit cardholders can redeem points for More Rewards, which include international flights on other airlines, hotels and car rentals.
Tony Roach, Manager, Co-Brand Marketing accepts the award.
Flying Blue American Express card members can earn up to two miles per euro spent on flights with Air France and KLM. Additional benefits include the ability to extend the validity of miles, elite qualifying flight credit and the ability for Platinum members to gift Platinum status to another member with the Platinum version of the credit card. Members can also share award miles with supplementary card holders.
Herbert accepts the award along with Jesse of American Express.
Etihad returns to win Best Credit Card for the program’s second time. It first won in this category in the 2012 Freddie Awards. The ADIB Etihad Guest Card offered with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank offers a fast-track to elite status, a free companion ticket when you spend AED 150,000 or more in 12 months, complimentary Priority Pass giving you access to over 500+ airport lounges worldwide and more.
General Manager, Barry Green, takes the stage to accept the Freddie Award.
Southwest Rapid Rewards has always placed a high priority on providing stellar customer service and going the extra mile for customers. Members can call customer service 24/7 and unlike many programs, Rapid Rewards does not charge a phone booking fee to make award flight reservations over the phone. This is a commanding win with an impressive 9.00 ranking and 50 percent of those voting in this category.
Southwest Airlines has seven representatives of the company here tonight including Jonathan Clarkson, Director Rapid Rewards.
Jonathan accepts the award, and says, “Thank you very much!”
Just as Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) leaped from seventh to first in Middle East / Asia / Oceania in the Best Redemption Ability category, the program did the same again to win Best Customer Service. But SPG is no stranger to the Best Customer Service category with 12 previous wins internationally in this category.
Kyndra Russell, VP Digital Loyalty and Partnership Marketing accepted the award.