Best Frequent-Flier Program
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
Frequent-flier or "loyalty programs" started in the early 1980s as a way for airlines to reward corporate travelers and discourage any migrations to lower-priced budget airlines. Many business travelers love the convenience of special airport lounges and free travel awards, remaining loyal to the carrier offering those perks. For the most part, it has been a successful strategy for airlines, and many budget carriers also now use loyalty programs (especially those based in North America). Airlines advanced a reward concept that now can be found in many other travel-related industries and beyond.
Best U.S. Budget Airline
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
The term "budget airline" in this category describes a carrier that has adopted a low-cost business model. More than just offering periodic (or even frequent) fare sales, a budget airline expects to attract most of its business by offering low fares rather than luxuries. For example, this could mean many services are not included in the base fare and would need to be purchased for a separate fee. Frequently it also means sharp limits on business- or first-class seating. The five finalists in this category cater primarily to the U.S. market, although some operate in destinations outside the country.
Best International Budget Airline
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
As with the U.S. Budget Airline category, these five finalists are also low-cost carriers that focus primarily on budget fares rather than occasional sales. Some tend to serve smaller or medium-sized airports rather than larger hubs, where gate-rights can prove expensive. All of them are short on amenities such as luxury-class seating, and a few don't even offer frequent-flier programs. These five finalists all operate primarily outside the United States.
