Loyalty is more important then ever before. At least if you are a frequent flyer in the USA. Here the airlines ties up their passengers harder then ever.
For many airlines their bonus program could be valued higher then the airline it self. The data collected about the members are worth billions and an asset that can be capitalized if necessary. By that reason it’s not strange that US airlines tries to tie their passenger tighter to them self and their membership program.
One way to make sure that loyalty is more important then ever is by increasing the value in the loyalty program. Both United and Delta for the moment charge 40 USD for bag checked in at the airport. At the same time some levels in their frequent flyer programs get free checked in luggage. And even if I try to fly with hand luggage only, I do understand the needs of checked in luggage. Specially if you are staying away for a long time or is traveling with children.
Another proof that loyalty in more important then before is showed by American Airlines who is a member of One World. They just gives miles on flights booked thru them or selected travel agencies. For me, this is a smart way to tie up their frequent flyers. But it can also quickly change the travel industry. I can just guess that you wan’t find many online travel agency’s among the selected. But that’s actually a good thing. As a frequent traveler I book my hotels on their websites to make sure I get member benefits from them. On the same way I do think it’s reasonable to make the same thing with airlines.
Loyalty is more important for every one
If we connect the demand to book directly with the airline and the right to free luggage for frequent flyers it will be a fair deal. We already pay with our data to a lot of companies, but not al of them pays us for it. Free luggage is a fair payment for you giving away data about your self. A similar idea already exist at SAS. As a Gold member in Eurobonus I’m aloud to bring a hand luggage and not only a personal item onboard even if I fly on a light ticket. For me, who usually flies on cheapest possible ticket inside Europe this is a perk I appreciates. By that reason I also shows loyalty to SAS
Whats your idea, is free luggage for frequent flyers a good idea? Should you always get points independent of where you bought your ticket? Write your opinion in the comments.
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