How the Best Travel Agents Reward Their Most Loyal Customers

Ovation Vacations, a New York City-based travel agency led by Travel + Leisure Travel Advisory Board member Jack Ezon, offers a myriad of perks to its clients. For starters, the agency’s agents can score 30 to 40 percent off published hotel rates and have personal relationships with general managers at some of the world’s top properties who pamper Ovation guests with amenities such as a bottle of champagne and free spa treatments. The agency is a preferred partner with more than a dozen hotel brands. With a stay at a Mandarin Oriental, the perks include breakfast for two daily, $100 food or spa credit per room per stay, a guaranteed upgrade to the next category of room, and a personalized welcome amenity. Mandarin suite guests even get a one-way airport transfer with a meet and greet at the gate of the plane. Client gifts are an Ovation trademark: for example, the company recently sent a prepaid FedEx box to a wine obsessed couple vacationing in Napa so that they could ship home a case of their favorite bottles compliments of Ovation. On top of all the perks, clients have 24/7 access to a support staff who can help rebook travel in the event of flight cancellations and delays and assist with any other unforeseen hiccups.

The Best Frequent Flyer Programs on the Planet 2015

Frequent flyers know that one of the best ways to lower their travel costs and score pampering perks is to take advantage of airline loyalty programs. But, of course, not all mileage plans are created equal.

Every year in our annual World’s Best Awards survey, we ask readers to rank airlines based on everything from their in-flight service to the quality of the food.

This time, we took a close look at which airlines earned raves for their frequent-flyer programs. And while a few members of the top 10 list aren’t surprising (repeat winners such as Emirates and Singapore airlines pleased travelers with their ease of use and elite perks) others were: namely, Scandinavian Airlines.

While the airline didn’t receive top scores in other categories, its loyalty program truly impressed World’s Best voters. One reader called it the “best in the industry,” which is no small accomplishment for a smallish carrier specializing in Northern Europe. Standout features include partnerships and campaigns with global companies including Hilton Worldwide, car-rental brands Avis and Hertz, and Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

While the best rewards program for any individual traveler depends on many factors, all of these airlines strive to provide a simple, straightforward redemption system and a diverse portfolio of partners. In a world where most airlines are siphoning away elite bonuses and honoring flyers for how much they spend rather than how much they fly, savvy travelers are more conscious than ever about where they bank their points and miles.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your status, or reap rewards from even the most modest stash of miles, consider joining these reader-approved clubs.