TPG Award Winners for Airlines and Frequent Flyer Programs

Delta Air Lines. JetBlue. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program. Qatar Airways.

There were plenty of familiar aviation brands taking home the 2026 TPG Awards, with five being winners in eight categories where repeats were possible.

We also had some new entrants to this year’s winner’s circle, including innovative moves from both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines (the latter with merger partner Hawaiian Airlines).

Few things are as synonymous with travel as airlines, airports and frequent flyer programs – so let’s check out the list of winners and see which carriers caught our attention in our total of 12 categories for 2026.

Best US Airline Loyalty Program: American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines is a repeat winner of perhaps our highest-profile aviation award: Best US Airline Loyalty Program.

One of our three aviation awards determined solely by data, this award involves evaluating airlines on the following items:

• airline footprint
• Earning Rates and Opportunities
• Redemption Rate Opportunities
• Program Benefits

Buoyed by the strength of its earnings and redemption chances, American retained its crown by beating our No. 2 pick, United. But the race was extremely tight, meaning the American may face a tough fight if he wants to retain his crown for another year.

Best US Airline Elite Status: American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum

American Airlines’ top tier Executive Platinum status took the top spot for best US airline elite status, beating out previous winner Alaska Airlines and its MVP 100 status.

The second of TPG’s three data-driven aviation categories, the awards considered metrics such as ease of earning elite status, benefits while traveling (think: factors like upgrade options, lounge access and fee waivers) and other perks that go into an airline’s elite tiers. See our full methodology here.

American Airlines performed well across the board to overtake Alaska Airlines, which still performed well in second place. And with its new Atmos Rewards program just launching (more on that below), Alaska Airlines is definitely worth keeping an eye on both its overall program and the benefits it adds.

Best US Business Class: Delta Air Lines Delta One

Delta Air Lines has been the established leader in this category, as evidenced by winning this TPG awards category several years in a row. And what’s not to like? The latest iteration of this product features sliding privacy doors and seats that fold into flat beds up to 80 inches long.

Delta first introduced the Delta One cabin in 2016, and today, it flies on the carrier’s Airbus A350s and Airbus A330neos, as well as some Boeing 767-400ERs, though the latter do not feature sliding doors.

Delta One has set the standard among US airlines for international business class, helping Delta reclaim its claim as the most premium US-based carrier.

But in the coming year, Delta may face its biggest challenge yet in this category. American recently debuted its highly anticipated flagship suites in 2025, and United’s updated Polaris business-class suites are set to fly as early as this year. Both are emerging as strong challengers that could threaten Delta’s multi-year performance in the category.

Best International Business Class: Qatar Airways Qsuite

Another long-time winner in its category, Qatar Airways’ QSuite regained the crown of best business class by an international carrier in 2026.

Like Delta, Qatar’s business-class seats have been a favorite of travelers since the introduction of Qsuite in 2017. Additionally, like Delta, Qatar Airways will face increased competition in the coming year as other luxury international carriers may introduce new business-class seats that could give the airline a run for its money – so stay tuned.

Best International First Class: Air France La Premiere

Air France launches its new La Premiere first class cabin in 2025 – and wow, was it ever a showstopper.

As one of the few global carriers committed to a true international first class product – apart from business class – Air France’s latest edition features an ultraluxe cabin with only four first class suites.

With 38 square feet of space, they are some of the most spacious seats in the sky, including both a reclining armchair and a chaise lounge (the latter of which converts into a lie-flat bed). Each suite has two 32-inch 4K entertainment screens. Air France’s “soft” product is also part of the appeal, with delicious food and high-end amenities helping to differentiate La Premiere from other first class offerings.

Air France ousted Japan Airlines from the top spot in the international first class category, and its early reviews suggest it may be ready for its own multi-year operation.

Best International Premium Economy: Emirates Premium Economy

Emirates repeated as winner for Best International Premium Economy, taking the top spot for a cabin that bridges the gap between economy and business class on long-haul international flights. Recliner-style seats give passengers room to spread out, with Emirates’ highly regarded service helping it claim the top spot.

But the Dubai-based carrier may have its work cut out for it if it intends to win back the crown next year. International carriers have turned their focus to premium economy cabins as travelers’ appetite for luxury travel has increased since the coronavirus pandemic.

Best American Economy Cabin: JetBlue

JetBlue again wins the TPG award for best economy cabin among US carriers.

Fueled by the highest average space per passenger in economy, JetBlue’s overall experience helps it stand out among its American counterparts.

While other US carriers may boast solid economy service – for example, Delta likes to promote its premium experience – it’s the consistency of JetBlue’s product that gives it the edge. With only Airbus A320-Family and Airbus A220 jets in its fleet, customers rely on expansive Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft on every flight.

Best New Credit Card Lounge: Capital One Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

New York is known as “the city that never sleeps”. Now, it has expanded into the city’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This is where Capital One has set up shop for one of its newest lounges – which will be open 24 hours a day.

The first to carry the card issuer’s “premier” designation, Capital One’s new location ramps up competition among rival lounges at JFK’s Terminal 4. In addition to operating around the clock, the lounge features a cheesemonger, shower suites and hot meals both made to order and take away.

Best New US Airline Lounge: Delta One Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

A new category for 2026, Delta’s new Delta One lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) emerged as our choice as the top newly opened US airline lounge. It is the latest expansion of Delta’s posh network of business-class lounges that complement its long-standing network of “regular” Sky Clubs. There’s a special gem in Seattle, sitting on the fourth floor above a brand new Sky Club that just opened one floor below.

Best Credit Card Lounge Network: Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club

The winner here was The Club’s Chase Sapphire Lounge, which beat out American Express’s Centurion lounge network for the crown in the last of our three “in the air” categories, which were decided strictly by data.

To crown a winner, we considered:

• Size of lounge network within the US
• lounge facilities
• Quality and variety of food and beverage options
• Ease of use of the lounge (including access, guest policies and authorized user privileges)

Check out our full recap of the category to learn more about how Chase rose to the top.

Best Innovation in Route Strategy: United Airlines

United was the runaway winner in this particular category for 2026. The new routes include destinations such as Mongolia and Greenland, where no U.S. airline has ever flown before, as well as ultra-long-haul routes to Thailand and Vietnam and routes to secondary European markets such as Bari, Italy and Majorca, Spain.

Sure, United still has a large number of flights to major destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but lately its flights to far-flung and underserved foreign destinations have set it apart from its rivals. To learn more about Carrier’s latest routing decisions, read TPG’s Sean Cudahy’s account of how United’s bold strategy set them up for victory.

Best Innovation in Airline Loyalty: Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ new joint Atmos Rewards program has emerged as another clear “innovation” winner for 2026. This brand new frequent flyer program was created to bring Alaska and its merger partner, Hawaiian, under a single loyalty umbrella.

With a broader set of partners and creative new details – like allowing customers to choose how they earn specific status – the Atmos program has emerged as one to watch.

Each year, the TPG Awards honor excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to read more about our winner-selection process and methodology for the 2026 TPG Awards.