If you travel even a couple of times a year, joining loyalty programs can mean free flights, hotel nights, and exclusive upgrades. In 2025, airlines and hotels are offering more perks than ever — but also new rules that can make it confusing.
This guide will break down the best loyalty programs, insider hacks, and how to maximize rewards whether you’re booking budget flights home or dreaming of luxury business-class upgrades.
Why Loyalty Programs Matter in 2025
- Flights & hotels cost more: Loyalty programs help offset rising prices.
- Free to join: No reason not to sign up.
- Exclusive perks: From free checked bags to airport lounge access.
👉 Related: Already thinking about flights? Check our guide: How to Score Cheap Flights to Manila in 2025.
Best Airline Loyalty Programs in 2025
1. Philippine Airlines – Mabuhay Miles
- Great for Filipinos traveling between the U.S. and the Philippines.
- Earn miles on flights + partners like ANA and Cathay Pacific.
- Redeem for free upgrades on long-haul flights.
2. Delta SkyMiles
- No mileage expiration (rare in 2025).
- Strong network if you’re flying U.S. domestic before connecting to Asia.
3. United MileagePlus
- Huge global reach through Star Alliance.
- Good option for flights to Manila via San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Tokyo.
4. Emirates Skywards
- Perfect if flying Middle East connections (Dubai–Manila).
- Luxury upgrade options.
Best Hotel Loyalty Programs in 2025
1. Marriott Bonvoy
- Over 8,000 properties worldwide.
- Free nights starting at 5,000 points.
- Exclusive perks: late checkout, free WiFi.
2. Hilton Honors
- Points + cash booking option.
- Status matches easily from other programs.
3. IHG One Rewards
- Great for Asia stays (Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza).
- Elite status perks with fewer nights than Marriott.
4. World of Hyatt
- Luxury-focused program.
- Best redemption value for upscale hotels.
Credit Cards & Loyalty in 2025
One of the fastest ways to rack up miles is through travel credit cards.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve → Points transfer to United, Hyatt, Marriott.
- American Express Platinum → Lounge access + points transfers.
- BPI Visa Signature (Philippines) → Points convert to Mabuhay Miles.
👉 Pro tip: Pair your airline + hotel loyalty program with a travel credit card to double-dip rewards.
Hacks to Maximize Loyalty Points
- Always enter your membership number when booking flights or hotels.
- Book through official sites → many airlines won’t credit miles from third-party sites.
- Stack promotions → e.g., double points during promo periods.
- Use points strategically → long-haul flights or luxury hotels give the best redemption value.
- Pool points with family → some programs (like Hilton Honors) allow sharing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting miles expire → Some programs reset after inactivity (set reminders!).
- Chasing elite status unnecessarily → Don’t overspend just to hit thresholds.
- Not comparing redemption rates → Sometimes paying cash is cheaper than using miles.
👉 Related: Save on hotels with this guide: How to Find the Best Hotel Deals in 2025.
Example: How Loyalty Points Save Money
- Flight: Manila to L.A. roundtrip economy = $1,000
- With Mabuhay Miles: 55,000 miles + $50 taxes.
- Savings = ~$950
- Hotel: 4 nights in Cebu, $500 cash
- With Marriott Bonvoy points: 35,000 points = free.
Future of Loyalty Programs in 2025
- AI personalization: Programs are tailoring offers to your past trips.
- Dynamic pricing: Points required for rewards now vary by season.
- Partnerships: More cross-industry tie-ups (restaurants, ride-hailing apps).
Final Thoughts
Loyalty programs aren’t just for frequent fliers. Even if you only travel home once or twice a year, joining the right program can save you hundreds of dollars and unlock VIP perks.
Start with:
- An airline program (Mabuhay Miles or your U.S. carrier).
- A hotel program (Marriott, Hilton, or IHG).
- A travel credit card to boost your earnings.
👉 Ready to maximize rewards? Start comparing your next trip on Oojyu Flights & Hotels.
âť“ FAQs About Loyalty Programs
Q: Are loyalty programs free to join?
Yes — almost all are completely free.
Q: Which airline loyalty program is best for Filipinos in the U.S.?
Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Miles, or United MileagePlus if flying via U.S. hubs.
Q: Do hotel points expire?
Most do if there’s no account activity for 12–24 months. Keep active with small bookings.
Q: Can I use points to upgrade flights?
Yes — especially with Philippine Airlines, Emirates, and Delta.
Q: What’s better: earning miles or cashback?
Depends on your travel goals. Cashback is simpler, but miles stretch further for long-haul flights.