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Freddie Awards 2022

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the 2022 Freddie Awards in New Orleans this past week, and it was everything I’d hoped it to be. If you’re unfamiliar with the Freddie’s, they are effectively the People’s Choice awards for loyalty programs around the world. Randy Petersen, the godfather of points and miles, started the Freddie’s back in 1988. He named it after Sir Freddie Laker and this year over 4.2 million people voted around the world. It was a real treat of an experience…I’m not sure if you can tell of not, but I loved talking shop with so many industry insiders and travel lovers.

I’m not sure they’ll invite me back, lol.

 

It was held at the National World War 2 Museum in New Orleans and there was a very excited, positive energy to the event that hasn’t had a live gathering since 2019. I was able to attend with my wife, and nabbed seating at table #2 with the Freddie’s MC Scott McCartney, the longtime Wall Street Journal columnist who I’ve been a fan of for many years. We were also seated next to executives of both Accor and Shangri-La who both won awards…our table was quite victorious! Both Gary Leff and Ed Pizzarello presented awards, along with the lovely Jeanne Hoffman of Le Chic Geek.

What I enjoyed most was putting faces to names I’ve emailed with, blogs I’ve read, and executives I’ve seen in the press.

So who won?

Some winners weren’t a surprise at all, with Marriott taking a lot of trophies home along with Singapore, TAP, and Air Canada. I was surprised by how few awards Hyatt won, and the credit card winners. What it really shows me is the rabbit hole of points and miles is quite a vacuum chamber, and the Freddie’s highlights the loyalty programs that appeal to the masses. Here’s a list of the winners:

The Winners Americas:

Airline

Program of the Year — Southwest Airlines – Rapid Rewards
Best Elite Program — American Airlines – AAdvantage
Best Promotion — Avianca – LifeMiles – 175% Bonus on Purchased Miles
Best Customer Service — Southwest Airlines – Rapid Rewards
Best Redemption Ability — Air Canada – Aeroplan

210 AWARD — Air Canada – Aeroplan
** The 210 Award is given to the best scoring program that is ranked by fewer than 10% of voters. It’s meant to recognize an up and coming program delivering value to members that may not yet be on the radar of as many frequent travelers.

 

Hotel

Program of the Year — Marriott Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy
Best Elite Program — Marriott Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy
Best Promotion — Caesars Entertainment – Caesars Rewards – Earn for Next Year
Best Customer Service — Caesars Entertainment – Caesars Rewards
Best Redemption Ability — Marriott Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy

210 AWARD — Hyatt Hotels – World of Hyatt
** The 210 Award is given to the best scoring program that is ranked by fewer than 10% of voters. It’s meant to recognize an up and coming program delivering value to members that may not yet be on the radar of as many frequent travelers.

 

Credit Card

Best Loyalty Credit Card — Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

 

The Winners Europe and Africa

Airline

Program of the Year — TAP Air Portugal – Miles&Go
Best Elite Program — TAP Air Portugal – Miles&Go
Best Promotion — TAP Air Portugal – Miles&Go – Black Friday
Best Customer Service — TAP Air Portugal – Miles&Go
Best Redemption Ability — TAP Air Portugal – Miles&Go

210 AWARD — Virgin Atlantic – Flying Club
** The 210 Award is given to the best scoring program that is ranked by fewer than 10% of voters. It’s meant to recognize an up and coming program delivering value to members that may not yet be on the radar of as many frequent travelers.

 

Hotel

Program of the Year — Accor – ALL Accor Live Limitless
Best Elite Program — Accor – ALL Accor Live Limitless
Best Promotion — Marriott Hotels – Marriott Bonvoy – Better Two-gether
Best Customer Service — Accor – ALL Accor Live Limitless
Best Redemption Ability — Accor – ALL Accor Live Limitless

210 AWARD — GHA – GHA Discovery
** The 210 Award is given to the best scoring program that is ranked by fewer than 10% of voters. It’s meant to recognize an up and coming program delivering value to members that may not yet be on the radar of as many frequent travelers.

 

Credit Card

Best Affinity Credit Card — American Express – Membership Rewards

The winners Middle East Asia/Oceania

Airline

Program of the Year — Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer
Best Elite Program — Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer
Best Promotion — Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer – Earn Status Credit without Flying
Best Customer Service —Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer
Best Redemption Ability — Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer

210 AWARD — Garuda Indonesia – GarudaMiles
** The 210 Award is given to the best scoring program that is ranked by fewer than 10% of voters. It’s meant to recognize an up and coming program delivering value to members that may not yet be on the radar of as many frequent travelers.

 

Hotel

Program of the Year — ITC Hotels – Club ITC
Best Elite Program — ITC Hotels – Club ITC
Best Promotion — ITC Hotels – Club ITC – Reduced Requalification Requirements
Best Customer Service — Marriott Hotel – Marriott Bonvoy
Best Redemption Ability — ITC Hotels – Club ITC

210 AWARD — Shangri-La – Circle
** The 210 Award is given to the best scoring program that is ranked by fewer than 10% of voters. It’s meant to recognize an up and coming program delivering value to members that may not yet be on the radar of as many frequent travelers.

 

Credit Card

Best Affinity Credit Card — American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card