Delta SkyMiles was named a Best Travel Rewards Program for 2018-2019 by U.S. News & World Report, securing the No. 2 overall spot for airline reward programs for the second year running.

The annual ranking attributed Delta’s recognition to “ample Member benefits, large network of flight destinations and high volume of daily domestic flights.” Each year, the rankings identify 25 hotel and airline loyalty programs with the most rewarding perks for everyday travelers.

“Loyalty isn’t just about a benefit or program element – it’s about connecting with customers,” said Sandeep Dube, Delta’s Vice President – Customer Engagement and Loyalty. “That connection happens when a customer sees Delta and SkyMiles as a partner in their journey – and earning that trust has been our focus as we’ve continued to elevate SkyMiles to be a leading loyalty program.”

Climbing from the No. 9 position just three years ago, Delta has been investing in SkyMiles over the past several years – unique benefits include:

• Miles never expire
• No blackout dates for Award Tickets on any Delta Air Lines flight
• Miles can be redeemed to travel to +1,000 cities with Delta and its partners
• Industry-leading Medallion Benefits like: Complimentary Upgrades to Delta One on all domestic flights, Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Choice Benefits for Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members

“All 80,000 people on the Delta team are going to keep working hard to show our Members how much we value their business by continuing to take care of them, expanding the ways they can earn and redeem miles, and creating an ecosystem of industry-leading partnerships that bring value to them – not just when they travel, but every day,” Dube continued.

The program differentiators are complemented by innovative partnerships that provide more ways to easily earn miles on everyday purchases with brands customers love like Airbnb and Lyft, along with new ways to easily redeem miles on everything from attending once-in-a-lifetime events through SkyMiles Experiences to enjoying a premium drink at Delta Sky Club.

“The seemingly endless options for travel rewards can make choosing a program daunting,” said Christine Smith, travel editor at U.S. News. “The top ranked rewards programs offer all travelers the perks they care most about, including those that give the most bang for their buck. Whether it’s a free night, flight or specific amenities, travelers can narrow down their options to find the programs that are exactly the right fit for them.”

The airline has made significant, innovative investments in its customer engagement and loyalty programs, starting with SkyMiles. Industry-leading partnerships with brands like Lyft and Airbnb allow customers to engage with Delta by earning miles for everyday activities, while the award-winning Delta Sky Club experiencecontinues to be a reason travelers choose to fly Delta. Just last fall, Delta and American Express introduced the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express for new and casual travelers, rounding out the portfolio of Cards designed to match customers’ lifestyle needs. Also in 2017, Delta and American Express added one million new Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members – a first in the 20+ year partnership and breaking the co-brand partners’ record for the number of new Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members added in one year.