E-commerce
The Preferences of Frequent Travelers: Price, Schedule, and Airline Loyalty
The Preferences of Frequent Travelers: Price, Schedule, and Airline Loyalty
Travel is an integral part of business and leisure activities for many people. Frequent travelers have a diverse range of preferences and considerations when planning their trips. This article explores the common inclinations and behaviors of frequent travelers, particularly regarding their airline choices and factors that influence their bookings.
Factors Influencing Airline Choices
Americans and travelers alike often find themselves at the mercy of various factors when selecting an airline. Price and flight schedules are the two most prominent considerations, alongside loyalty programs and airline quality of service. Here, we will delve into these aspects and discuss the experiences of two frequent travelers, illustrating how different factors shape their decision-making processes.
Traveler 1: An American Frequent Flyer
One of our frequent travelers, based in the United States, has a long-standing preference for American Airlines due to extensive use of the airline's frequent flyer program. This individual, who has belonged to the Frequent Flyer Club since its days as TWA, emphasizes the importance of both price and flight schedules in making travel decisions. For trips over three hours, they opt for first-class, and they always choose business class for long-haul flights.
Their preference for higher classes stems from the belief that the airfares to other countries are often more favorable than within the US. This illustrates how regional pricing and airline miles can significantly impact their flight choices. This traveler's loyalty to American Airlines is also reflected in their continued membership in the airline's frequent flyer program, even as their travel frequency has decreased.
Traveler 2: A Delta Enthusiast
A second traveler, whose travel history dates back to their time based in Michigan, primarily relies on Delta Airlines. Detroit's status as a Delta hub was a key factor in their preference for Delta. Despite an employer-paid travel policy, cost considerations were not the primary driver. Instead, the traveler prioritized schedule alignment with their business or leisure plans, choosing early Monday morning and late Friday evening flights.
This individual retained their membership in Delta's frequent flier program and continues to do so due to the program's flexibility and loyalty points, even as their travel frequency has diminished. They particularly valued the access to Delta Sky Clubs for layovers and pre-boarding, which enhanced their travel experience significantly. The traveler also mentioned the importance of flight size and available first class seats, always opting for larger aircraft with open first-class seats for upgrades. They often looked for routes with additional segments to maximize their miles.
Evaluation of Flight Upgrades and Miles
Another significant factor influencing frequent travelers is the concept of flight upgrades and miles. The second traveler, who once had Diamond status, noted the ease of upgrading to first class when Diamond members. However, since the company did not cover first-class tickets, they found that upgrades were almost guaranteed when finding flights with open seats. The traveler also found value in using smaller segments to farm miles, leading to significant savings years later.
Conclusion
The preferences and behaviors of frequent travelers are multifaceted. While price and schedule are crucial factors, loyalty programs and the quality of service also play significant roles. American Airlines and Delta illustrate two different approaches to airline preferences and loyalty, showing how travelers balance various aspects to enhance their travel experiences. For businesses and travelers alike, understanding these preferences can lead to more informed and beneficial travel plans.