Air Mail: The 1990 Write-In Freddies

This year we created a special category for write-in votes — programs and efforts that the eight standard categories had no room for. We called it Air Mail.

In a dead heat, the National Emerald Club and Diners Club Rewards were written in as deserving special recognition.

The National Emerald Club has made a name for itself, and its benefits are tremendously popular. Even after changing its award structure in 1990, members like earning additional awards on top of their frequent flyer and frequent guest participation.

Diners Club Rewards has built its own following among cardholders looking for a combination of card benefits and traveler privileges.

Two programs nobody put on the ballot, honored because readers put them there themselves.