Restricting myself to a discussion of airlines, and North America for a moment.

I think there are huge differences within elite levels, it's almost even strange to vote on 'Best Elite Level' or program.

My own view is that the best top elite level belongs to American, followed closely by United. Certainly among programs with 3 (official) tiers. If I were giving a third-place vote for best top elite level it would go to Alaska, btw.

But if I were a first or second-tieir elite I'd rather be a member of the Northwest or America West programs I think because of their unlimited complimentary upgrades and the extent to which the programs deliver on those upgrades to all elite members and not just those at the very top.

On Best Award Redemption (again, Americas) I'd give the nod to American, Alaska, United, and Delta in that order -- fully recognizing that American got a bit tighter this year at least anecdotally. Alaska does a really good job with award availability, and has strong partnerships, but is somewhat limited in its own route network. United has gotten far more difficult to redeem an award with -- less availability (or just greater demand for the same capacity?), reducing hold times from 14 days to 3 (down from 30 days just a few years ago), and limiting redemption on LH transatlantic flights to a specific window. Nevertheless, Star Alliance awards really should put them in the running still.

Northwest and Continental are just awful at redemption on their own metal, but their partnerships allow you to redeem on carriers that actually do make awards available. So their miles are worth something. However the gutting of the Northwest chart especially this year deserves a major .

I wouldn't give the award to Southwest, because while they've managed to eschew capacity controls they simply don't provide for the redemption of the kind of awards I would ever want.

Best Affinity Credit Card ought to belong to the Starwood Amex, followed by Diners Club.

I'd give Best Website to Northwest, with honorable mention to Continental for their new award availability calendar. AA might even be up there, but there's a lack of detail on some of their award rules. UA is just downright unreliable. AS and WN deserve mention for their simplicity.

Best Newsletter just isn't important to me.

Best Customer Service? I love the folks at Alaska. Continental actually deserves some small mention for finally creating an actual elite desk. No doubt Southwest offers good customer service, but I have no direct experience here.

Thoughts on Best Bonus? Nothing immediately springs to mind, but I think it's just the haze before New Year's Eve. I love United's DC Round-the-World promo, but it's too regional to win.