Virgin Australia scoops three Freddie Awards

Virgin Australia has been the standout performer in the 2013 Freddie Awards, which were presented at USA Today headquarters in Virginia.

The Freddies represent excellence in frequent travel programmes and rate the best programmes in six categories: Programme of the Year, Best Promotion, Best Redemption Ability, Best Customer Service, Best Elite Programme and Best Loyalty Credit Card.

Voters are permitted to vote for programmes in one of three global regions: Americas, Middle East/Asia/Oceania and Europe/Africa.

The Virgin Australia Velocity loyalty programme was named the best in Middle East/Asia/Oceania in three categories: Programme of the Year, Best Redemption Ability and Best Elite Programme.

In 2013, 2.9 million votes were cast.

The Freddie Awards are named after the late Sir Freddie Laker, who pioneered low-cost air travel across the Atlantic in the 1970s.

This year’s winners:

Programme of the Year

Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: IHG Priority Club Rewards
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Le Club Accorhotels

Best Promotion

Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Jet Airways JetPrivilege
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Taj Hotels & Resorts InnerCircle
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Le Club Accorhotels

Best Redemption Ability

Americas Airline: AviancaTACA LifeMiles
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

Best Customer Service

Americas Airline: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Emirates Skywards
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Europe/Africa Airline: SAS EuroBonus
Europe/Africa Hotel: IHG Priority Club Rewards

Best Elite Programme

Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage
Americas Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity
Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport
Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Europe/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

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Best Loyalty Credit Card

Americas: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card
Middle East/Asia/Oceania: JetPrivilege HDFC Bank Credit Card
Europe/Africa: Flying Blue American Express Card