Delta Air Lines. JetBlue Airways. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program. Qatar Airways.
There are a number of familiar aviation brands honored with the 2026 TPG Awards, including five repeat winners in eight possible repeat categories.
There are some new entrants to this year’s winner’s circle, including innovative initiatives from United Airlines and Alaska Airlines (the latter with merger partner Hawaiian Airlines).
Nothing is more synonymous with travel than airlines, airports and frequent flyer programs – so let’s take a look at the winners and see which airlines have caught our attention in 2026 across 12 categories.
Best American Airlines Loyalty Program: American Airlines AAdvantage
American Airlines has won perhaps our most coveted airline award: Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program.
This award is one of three aviation awards we determined based solely on data and involves evaluating airlines on:
- Airline footprint
- Yields and Opportunities
- Redemption Rate Opportunities
- Program Benefits
American Airlines retained its crown, beating out No. 2 United Airlines on the back of its strong profitability and redemption opportunities. But competition is fierce, meaning American may face an uphill battle if it wants to retain its crown for another year.
Best American Airlines Elite Status: American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum
American Airlines’ top-tier Executive Platinum membership ranks first among the best American Airlines elite memberships, beating out previous champion Alaska Airlines and its MVP 100 membership.
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The award, the second of TPG’s three data-driven airline categories, considers metrics such as ease of achieving elite status, benefits while traveling (considering factors such as: upgrade options, lounge access and fee reductions) and other perks of an airline’s elite status. See our full approach here.
American Airlines performed well across the board, surpassing Alaska Airlines, which remained firmly in second place. With the new Atmos rewards program just launching (more on that below), Alaska Airlines’ overall plan and subsequent benefits are certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Best Business Class in America: Delta Air Lines Delta One
Delta Air Lines has been a recognized leader in the category, as evidenced by winning the TPG Award several years in a row. What’s not to like? The latest version of the product features sliding privacy doors and seats that recline into a lie-flat bed up to 80 inches long.
Delta Air Lines first introduced the Delta One cabin in 2016, and today it flies on the airline’s Airbus A350s and Airbus A330neos, as well as some Boeing 767-400ERs, although the latter are not equipped with sliding doors.
Delta sets the standard for international business class on American airlines, helping to solidify Delta’s position as America’s most premium airline.
But the coming year may bring Delta Air Lines its biggest challenge yet in this area. American Airlines just launched its highly anticipated flagship suites in 2025, and United’s updated Polaris Business Class Suites will first fly early this year. Both are serious challengers that could threaten Delta’s years-long lead in the category.
Best International Business Class: Qatar Airways Qsuite
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite is another long-standing winner in this category, again taking the crown for Best Business Class among International Airlines in 2026.
Like Delta Air Lines, Qatar Airways’ business class seats have been a favorite among passengers since the launch of Qsuite in 2017. Additionally, like Delta, Qatar Airways will face increasing competition in the coming year as other luxury international airlines introduce new business class seats, which could give the airline competition – so stay tuned.
Best International First Class: Air France’s inaugural flight
Air France launches its new La Premiere first class cabin in 2025 – and wow, it made a splash.
As one of the few global airlines dedicated to offering a truly international first-class product (in addition to business class), Air France’s latest version also features an ultra-luxury cabin with just four first-class suites.
With 38 square feet of space, they are among the most spacious seats in the sky, with reclining armchairs and daybeds (the latter convertible into flat beds). Each suite comes with two 32-inch 4K entertainment screens. Air France’s “soft” product is also part of its appeal, with gourmet cuisine and high-end amenities making Beijing Airlines stand out from other first-class offerings.
Air France has knocked Japan Airlines off the top spot in the international first-class category, and early reviews suggest the airline may be able to maintain its lead for years.
Best International Premium Economy: Emirates Premium Economy
Emirates once again won the award 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 stretch out, and Emirates’ highly regarded service helps it top the list.
But the Dubai-based airline may have a lot of work to do if it wants to claim the crown again next year. International airlines have increased their focus on premium economy as interest in luxury travel among leisure travelers has soared since the coronavirus pandemic.
Best Economy Class in America: JetBlue
JetBlue once again won the award for Best Economy Class TPG among American Airlines.
JetBlue’s overall experience helps it stand out among its U.S. peers, boosted by the highest average space per passenger in economy class.
While other U.S. airlines can claim to offer solid economy service (Delta, for example, likes to tout its premium experience), the consistency of JetBlue’s product gives it an advantage. With only Airbus A320 family and Airbus A220 jets in its fleet, customers can enjoy spacious aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi every time they fly.
Best New Credit Card Lounge: Capital One Lounge at JFK
New York is known as the “city that never sleeps.” The service now also extends to the city’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Capital One has opened one of its newest lounges here, which will be open 24 hours a day.
Capital One is the first new location to earn the card issuer’s “flagship” designation, bolstering competition among rival lounges at JFK’s Terminal 4. In addition to being open 24/7, the lounge also features a cheese shop, showers, and hot meals made to order and grab-and-go options for you to enjoy during your flight.
Best New U.S. Airline Lounge: Delta One Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
A new category for 2026, Delta Air Lines’ new Delta One Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is our choice for the top new airline lounge in the United States. This is the latest expansion of Delta’s premium business class lounge network, complementing its long-standing “regular” Sky Club network. This hotel in Seattle is a special gem, located on the fourth floor with a brand new Sky Club above and the one floor below that just opened.
Best Credit Card Lounge Network: Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
The winner here is The Club’s Chase Sapphire Lounge, beating out American Express’ Centurion Lounge network to take the crown in the last of three “air” categories decided strictly on data.
To ultimately win, we considered:
- Size of lounge network in the United States
- Facilities in the lounge
- Quality and variety of food and drink options
- Lounge ease of use (including access, guest policies, and authorized user privileges)
Check out our full review of the category to learn more about how Chase rose to the top.
Best Route Strategy Innovation Award: United Airlines
United leads this particular category by a wide margin in 2026. New routes include destinations such as Mongolia and Greenland that no U.S. carrier has previously flown to, as well as ultra-long-haul routes to Thailand and Vietnam, as well as routes to secondary European markets such as Bari, Italy, and Mallorca, Spain.
Of course, United still has plenty of flights to important destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but its recently added flights to remote and poorly served overseas destinations stand out among its competitors. Learn more about the airline’s latest route decisions as TPG’s Sean Cudahy details how United adopted a bold strategy to win.
Best Airline Loyalty Innovation: Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards
Another clear “innovation” winner in 2026 is Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ new joint Atmos rewards program. The new frequent flyer program is designed to bring Alaska Airlines and its merger partner Hawaiian Airlines under the same loyalty umbrella.
With a wide range of partners and creative new details, such as letting customers choose how to achieve elite status, the Atmos program has become one to watch.
Each year, the TPG Awards recognize excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to learn more about the selection process and methodology for the 2026 TPG Awards winners.
