Delta SkyMiles is the top U.S. global airline loyalty program in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017-2018 Best Travel Rewards Programs ranking.

“It is an honor for SkyMiles to be recognized by an organization like U.S. News that takes so many program elements into consideration,” said Sandeep Dube, Vice President — Customer Engagement & Loyalty. “Delta has made a concerted effort to simplify SkyMiles while making it more accessible and rewarding. This recognition is validation of our ongoing journey to make SkyMiles even more of a reason for customers to choose Delta.”

The annual ranking released Wednesday showed Delta rise to the first position among U.S. global airlines and No. 2 overall. Delta’s jump to the second spot from No. 9 two years ago was attributed to “its competitive redemption rates for award flights and diversity of benefits, such as using miles for hotel stays, cabin upgrades, experiences and free flights.”

Over the past year, Delta’s Customer Engagement & Loyalty teams have been working to bring greater value to SkyMiles for the airline’s most valuable customers. Key differentiators include:

• Miles never expire

• No blackout dates for Award Tickets on Delta Air Lines

• Unique benefits for Medallion Members including:  the only U.S. program to provide free access into lounges to their top-tier elites and the ability to rollover excess Medallion Qualifying Miles

All of these benefits are complimented by Delta’s global network of more than 1,000 destinations and innovative partnerships like those cultivated with American Express, Airbnb and Lyft that allow SkyMiles Members to earn miles with Delta throughout their daily activities — not just when they fly.

“Today’s travelers have so many rewards programs to choose from, comparing and contrasting them based on your specific needs can be a challenge,” said Christine Smith, Associate Travel Editor at U.S. News. “Our Best Travel Rewards Programs rankings emphasize the ease of earning points and miles, and redeeming them for free nights and flights, which everyday travelers identify as a top reason to join a loyalty program.”