Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards, Best Elite Program
The top four finishers in this category are American AAdvantage, Air Canada Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
Suzanne Rubin, President, AAdvantage Loyalty Program accepts the Freddie. The American AAdvantage table is very happy tonight. “Thank you again, and on behalf of all the MegaDoers here, you inspired this.”
American AAdvantage really takes care of its elite members. Top-tier elites get international upgrades from any fare, something unmatched by their competitors. AAdvantage does a good job at upgrading elites and there’s even a comp cocktail and buy-on-board snack when top elites find themselves sitting in the back. Although all elite members, and not just the very top elites, must feel valued for American to win this award.
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards, Best Elite Program
The top four finishers in this category are Etihad Guest, Jet Airways JetPrivilege, Gulf Air Falconflyer and Virgin Australia Velocity.
Barry Green, Vice President CRM & Loyalty accepts the Freddie. “Thank you very much to our members again.”
This isn’t the first time representatives from this program have graced the Freddie stage (although this is the first time in this category). Etihad Guest knows how to take care of their best customers. In 2011, the program introduced a new top tier for their members, Gold Elite. Along with such benefits as first class lounge access, Gold Elite members can nominate another person to receive Silver status.
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards, Best Elite Program
The top four finishers in this category are airBaltic BalticMiles, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, Lufthansa Miles & More and British Airways Executive Club.
Gabi Kool, CEO, accepts the award for airBaltic BalticMiles. “Wow! We aren’t a one-hit wonder. This is very special – elite travelers, that means something.”
We are officially now calling BalticMiles the little program that could. Although they are the new kid on the block, having launched in 2009, they are backed by industry veterans who know how to take care of their program’s best members.
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards, Best Elite Program
Marriott Rewards, Hyatt Gold Passport, Starwood Preferred Guest and Hilton HHonors take the top four spots.
Congratulations Marriott Rewards! Tina Kamdjou, Manager – Digital Product Development, accepts the award, “Thank you so much. Creating special experiences for our elite members means a lot to us”.
This is the 10th win for Marriott Rewards in this category. Elite Marriott Rewards members get bonus points with each stay, exclusive award offers, room upgrades, guaranteed lounge access/free breakfast, free Internet access and more depending on their status level. But most of all, as one frequent guest we spoke to stated, “… they made me feel special.”
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards, Best Elite Program
Finishing at the top are Hyatt Gold Passport, Taj Hotels & Resorts InnerCircle, Accor A|Club and Starwood Preferred Guest.
“First of all, I want to thank our members and frequent travelers. We hope to bring you even more benefits in the future and thank you for all of your support,” says Rene Mizwicki, Director, Loyalty Marketing.
Another repeat winner, Hyatt Gold Passport has some incredible properties in Asia and generous elite benefits—allowing Diamond status members to confirm a suite at booking four times a year, offering them lounge access or free full breakfast when no lounge is available, and providing Internet access for all elite members. These are benefits hard to ignore.
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards, Best Elite Program
The top four spots are occupied by Starwood Preferred Guest, Marriott Rewards, Hyatt Gold Passport and Hilton HHonors.
David Flueck, Vice President, Global Program & Operations, steps up to accept the award.
Starwood once again is singled out for excellence—this time, for their elite program. Even the lowest tier elites are well compensated with an additional 50 percent earning bonus. Among major programs, only Starwood and Hyatt offer upgrades to suites for their top tier elites—the benefit that elites usually value the most. Starwood announced a whole set of new elite benefits just before Freddie voting started—so members are feeling good about the program going forward.
The top four finishers in this category are American AAdvantage, Air Canada Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
