My Thoughts on the 2010 Frequent Traveler Awards

I had the privilege of attending the first annual Frequent Flyer Awards Ceremony in Houston last night and had a great time. Not only was it great to see many friends and familiar faces, it was great to see hotel chains and airlines recognized for their ingenuity, innovation, and efforts to serve their customers.

Here’s a list of the winners:

^{Program of the Year}
^{The Americas Airline:}		^{Air Canada Aeroplan}
^{The Americas Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Europe and Africa Airline:}		^{Lufthansa Miles & More}
^{Europe and Africa Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Airline:}		^{Kingfisher Airlines King Club}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Hotel:}		^{Taj Hotels InnerCircle}

^{Best Redemption Promotion}
^{The Americas Airline:}		^{Delta Air Lines SkyMiles}
^{The Americas Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Europe and Africa Airline:}		^{Lufthansa Miles & More}
^{Europe and Africa Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Airline:}		^{Singapore Airlines}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}

^{Best Earning Promotion}
^{The Americas Airline:}		^{Air Canada Aeroplan}
^{The Americas Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Europe and Africa Airline:}		^{Lufthansa Miles & More}
^{Europe and Africa Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Airline:}		^{Kingfisher Airlines King Club}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}

^{Best Redemption Ability}
^{The Americas Airline:}		^{Air Canada Aeroplan}
^{The Americas Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Europe and Africa Airline:}		^{Lufthansa Miles & More}
^{Europe and Africa Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Airline:}		^{Kingfisher Airlines King Club}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Hotel:}		^{Marriott Rewards}

^{Best Elite-Level Program}
^{The Americas Airline:}		^{United Mileage Plus}
^{The Americas Hotel:}		^{Hyatt Gold Passport}
^{Europe and Africa Airline:}		^{Lufthansa Miles & More}
^{Europe and Africa Hotel:}		^{Starwood Preferred Guest}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Airline:}		^{Kingfisher Airlines King Club}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania Hotel:}		^{Hyatt Gold Passport}

^{Best Loyalty Credit Card}
^{The Americas:}		^{Alaska Airlines Visa}
^{Europe and Africa:}		^{American Express Membership Rewards}
^{Middle East & Asia/Oceania:}		^{American Express Kingfisher First}

^{Loyalty Leadership Award}
^{Hyatt Gold Passport SAS EuroBonus}

First, it should be noted that these awards for 2009, not 2010. That helps to explain why Marriott outdid Hyatt in many categories.

A few thoughts on some of the awardees: First, I was happy to see that Hyatt deservedly won the award for best elite-level hotel program for the Americas. Hyatt has made remarkable strides in recognizing elites the last two years and has made me a loyal customer. After the ceremony, I kidded the Marriott rep. that Marriott must be doing something right to offer a program with stingy elite benefits that are difficult to qualify for in the first place, yet still keep their customers extremely happy. She good-naturedly took issue to my characterization of the program, but had to concede that Hyatt and Priority Club have been a bit more generous this year. It helps to have properties in every major city around the world…

United Airlines won the award for best elite-level airline program for the Americas and I think they deserved it. Yes, StarNet blocking remains an issue and the award chart is not as generous as it once was, but 2009 featured two double elite qualifying miles promotions and even before the unlimited domestic upgrade program started, UA’s upgrade scheme worked very nicely. Plus, UA coddles their elites—generously throwing out miles and vouchers when travel hiccups arise. We’ll see if that lasts under Jeff Smisek. I doubt it.

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program won in the program of the year category and I must concede that Air Canada does many things well. Their liberal routing rules, frugal award chart, and lack of StarNet blocking make crediting to Aeroplan attractive. Tacking on $200+ fuel surcharges on Air Canada flights, however, rubs me the wrong way.

Maybe Air Canada can learn from Scandinavian Airlines, the winner of the Loyalty Leadership Award (voted by the FT Awards committee rather than the traveling public) for removing fuel surcharges from their award redemptions. In an almost tearful address to the crowd, the SAS rep thanked everyone for their support and urged other airlines to follow SAS’ lead. British Airways and Air Canada should take note.

If you’re in New York City next April, plan to take part in the 2011 Frequent Flyer Awards. My thanks to Gary, Reb, Tommy, and the whole team + sponsors that made this event possible.