Loyalty is relative (but it sucks to be in the hotel game)

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) 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) 26.7% A richer award chart 43.2% 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

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