Loyalty programmes are everywhere, but nowhere more so than in travel. They can feel confusing, fragmented, and occasionally frustrating – especially when rules change or rewards feel out of reach. Used wisely, however, loyalty schemes can deliver meaningful benefits and, in some cases, exceptional value.
You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to benefit. Many programmes allow you to earn points through everyday spending, shopping portals, credit cards, hotels, and partners – often without setting foot on a plane. While the most valuable redemptions are typically flights (and therefore our main focus as a travel site), there are also plenty of non-flight and even non-travel rewards available.
This page provides a high-level overview of the main loyalty programmes most relevant to UK travellers. Each links to a more detailed guide covering how to earn, how to spend, and where the real value lies.
Airlines
Avios
Avios is the most widely used airline currency in the UK. It is the common reward currency of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, Finnair and Loganair. While each airline operates its own loyalty programme, Avios can be freely transferred between them, allowing flexibility when redeeming.
Avios stands out for the sheer number of ways to earn and spend points, from flights and upgrades to hotels, car hire, wine, and experiences. For UK-based travellers, it is often the easiest programme to engage with and one of the most powerful when used strategically.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club programme is smaller than Avios but can offer excellent value, particularly for long‑haul premium cabin redemptions and partner airlines. Points can be earned not only from Virgin flights but also via credit cards, shopping partners, hotels, and car hire.
Flying Club is also notable for its frequent promotions, reward seat availability, and strong partner network, making it an attractive alternative or complement to Avios.
Hotels
Hilton
Hilton Honors is one of the most popular hotel loyalty programmes globally. It covers a wide range of brands, from budget to luxury, and is known for generous earning rates and regular promotions.
Elite status can be achieved relatively easily and provides tangible benefits such as free breakfast, upgrades, and bonus points, making it a strong choice for many travellers.
Marriot Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is the largest hotel loyalty programme in the world, encompassing a vast portfolio of brands across all price points. Points can be earned quickly and redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and experiences.
The programme is particularly strong for travellers seeking luxury redemptions or those who value flexibility across a global hotel footprint.
IHG One Rewards
IHG One Rewards covers well‑known brands such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Kimpton. The programme is straightforward, with regular sales and promotions that can make redemptions very good value.
It is especially popular with travellers who favour mid‑range hotels and consistent global coverage.
Accor Live Limitless (ALL)
Accor’s loyalty programme operates slightly differently from most others, with points having a fixed cash‑like value when redeemed against hotel stays.
While this limits outsized value opportunities, it makes the programme simple, transparent, and predictable – particularly appealing for European travellers given Accor’s strong presence across the continent.
World of Hyatt
Hyatt’s loyalty programme is smaller in global footprint but very generous in how points translate into free nights and upgrades.
Wyndham Rewards
Strong for budget and road-trip travel with a large global footprint and a simple redemption structure.
Radisson Rewards
Offers more value in Europe (especially Scandinavia and Central Europe) — good for travellers in cities where bigger chains are scarce.
Best Western Rewards
A solid mid-tier programme with consistent perks and widespread availability.
Choice Privileges
Another broad network that’s easier to earn with and redeem points across many international midscale hotels.
Booking Platforms
Hotels.com
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Car Hire
Avis Preferred
Avis Preferred rewards frequent renters with faster pick‑up, potential upgrades, and free rental days. Points can often be earned alongside airline miles or hotel points, making it a useful supplementary programme rather than a standalone focus.
Holiday Nerd 