The report highlights a broader evolution in how frequent travelers evaluate their options. Beyond traditional leisure rewards, U.S. News introduced two inaugural categories specifically for business professionals, reflecting a demand for specialized service. Marriott International claimed the top spot for business hotel brands, citing its extensive global network and credit card portfolio, while United Airlines took the lead in the new airline category for its flight availability and elite status benefits.
U.S. News Reshuffles Travel Rankings as Business Travel Needs Shift
For the first time in over a decade, the landscape of loyalty programs has shifted significantly. American Airlines AAdvantage has unseated the long-reigning Atmos Rewards at the top of the U.S. News & World Report 2026-2027 rankings, marking a major departure in consumer travel trends.
Wyndham Rewards also climbed to the top position in the hotel rewards category, bolstered by its expansive global footprint and high redemption value. According to senior travel editor Elizabeth Von Tersch, these rankings aim to bridge the gap between vacation planning and professional travel requirements by pairing robust data with expert analysis. The methodology for this year was updated to include more frequent data collection and a wider scope of member perks, providing a more granular look at how brands accommodate the modern traveler.
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