I just took this poll on Inside Flyer and thought I'd share the community's results with you. In short, it is pretty amazing to see how two related industries - air travel and hotel - have such different loyalty levels (at least when it comes to switching)
There's no question that the beleaguered airline business has done a better job (relatively) at differentiating it's otherwise commoditized serviced (A to B) than the hotel game. Compare flat beds and in-seat on-demand entertainment systems to wireless broadband internet (free or fee) and plush pillows for example.
Here are the results:
"Changing Programs"
(Mar 31, 08)
| 1. Would you ever consider changing your primary hotel program? |
|
(You have answered this already)
|
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75.9%
|
Yes
|
|
24.1%
|
No
|
|
| 2. If yes, what would make you change? |
|
(You have answered this already)
|
|
6.3%
|
Change in company travel policy
|
|
18.5%
|
Change in the award chart that did not seem reasonable
|
|
49.8%
|
Saw what seemed like a more attractive benefit from another program
|
|
13.8%
|
Read a comparison of programs which made me rethink my choice
|
|
3.1%
|
Recommendation from a fellow traveler
|
|
8.6%
|
A different reason, not sure what it might be
|
|
| 3. If yes, would the change to another hotel program most likely be because of ... |
|
(You have answered this already)
|
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26.7%
|
A richer award chart
|
|
43.2%
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Better benefits
|
|
5.6%
|
No blackout dates (hate not getting the award I want)
|
|
14.4%
|
Nicer hotel properties for redemption
|
|
10.1%
|
A higher status level
|
|
| 4. Would you think differently about changing your hotel program than you would your airline program? |
|
(You have answered this already)
|
|
67.4%
|
Yes
|
|
32.6%
|
No |
