Creating a Successful Airline Rewards Strategy for Business Travelers

Business travelers are a crucial customer segment for airlines. They travel more frequently than leisure travelers and spend more money on their flights. Therefore, #airlines need to have a successful rewards strategy that caters to the needs of this customer group.???

As a professional, you should avoid the "headfirst, think later" tactic. So, let's start with what are the needs of business travelers.??

Understanding the Needs of Business Travelers??

Business travelers are typically poor in time and have a specific set of requirements when #traveling, including:??

• Time efficiency ?

They are often on tight schedules, so saving time is essential. It can be achieved through shorter check-in and security lines, priority boarding, and access to #lounges that offer comfortable and quiet places to work.??

• Flexibility

They need flexibility when it comes to changing their #travel plans. It might be due to a sudden change in a meeting or an emergency. Providing options for changing flight times and dates without imposing penalties is a must-have for this group.?

• Cost ?

Although business travelers may have higher travel budgets than leisure travelers, the cost is still a factor. Offering competitive fares and rewards that provide value for money can be a winning strategy.??

• Status ?

Business travelers value #recognition and #status within an airline loyalty rewards program. It can include access to exclusive lounges, priority boarding, quick booking options and upgrades.?

Creating a Rewards Program for Business Travelers??

Now that we have a good understanding of the needs of business travelers, let's look at some of the best practices for creating a rewards program that caters to them.??

• Tiered Loyalty Programs ?

It allows business travelers to earn points or miles based on their travel activity, which can then be redeemed for rewards. As travelers move up the tiers, they earn more rewards and benefits. For example, Emirates has a tiered loyalty program called Emirates Skywards, which offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.??

• Lounge Access ?

They value access to exclusive lounges where they can work and relax before their flights. Airlines can offer lounge access to their most loyal customers and those who purchase a certain level of ticket. For example, Delta Airlines offers lounge access to its Sky Club for Diamond Medallion members and those travelling in first class or business class.??

• Upgrades ?

It provides an opportunity to enjoy a more comfortable flight, which can be especially important for those travelling on long-haul flights. For example, British Airways offers upgrades to its Executive Club members, which can be redeemed using Avios points.??

• Elite Status ?

Elite status is a highly sought-after reward for business travelers. It provides recognition and a sense of status within an airline rewards program. Elite status can include benefits such as priority boarding, lounge access, recognition and upgrades. For example, United Airlines offers elite status to its MileagePlus members, with benefits including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.??

Examples of Airlines Doing It Right??

Let's look at some examples of #airlines that are doing a great job of creating successful airline rewards strategies for business travelers.??

• Delta Air Lines ?

SkyMiles loyalty program allows members to earn miles based on their travel activity. Members can #redeem their miles for flights, upgrades, and lounge access. Delta also offers Diamond Medallion status to its most loyal customers, which includes benefits such as lounge access and complimentary upgrades.??

• Emirates ?

Emirates Skywards loyalty program offers four membership tiers, with #rewards such as priority check-in, lounge access, and upgrades. Emirates also has exclusive lounges for its business and first-class passengers, providing a luxurious experience for those on the go.??

• 新加坡航空 ?

They offer KrisFlyer loyalty program, allowing members to earn miles based on travel activity. KrisFlyer members can also earn Elite Gold status, which includes benefits such as priority boarding and lounge access. Singapore Airlines also offers a unique reward program called the HighFlyer Program, which provides exclusive benefits to corporate customers, including discounts on flights and priority check-in.??

• American Airlines

It offers AAdvantage loyalty program, which allows members to earn miles for #flights and other activities such as car rentals and hotel bookings. AAdvantage members can also earn elite status, which includes benefits such as priority boarding and complimentary upgrades. American Airlines also offers Admirals Club lounge access to its most loyal customers, providing business travelers with a comfortable and productive environment.??

• Qantas ?

Qantas named its loyalty program, Qantas Frequent Flyer. It allows members to earn points for flights, as well as other activities such as shopping and dining. Qantas also offers a Business Rewards program, which benefits small and medium-sized businesses that frequently travel. Business Rewards members can earn points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.??

Where Does India Stand???

India is a rapidly growing airline market, with domestic and international travel increasing each year. However, the airline rewards landscape in India is still developing. Many Indian airlines offer loyalty programs, but they are not as extensive or sophisticated as some major international airlines.??

• Air India Limited has a Flying Returns loyalty program. It allows customers to earn points through airlines member of Star Alliance. It has three tiers that offer different discounts and levels of services.???
• The same goes for Vistara - TATA SIA Airlines Ltd. loyalty program, "Club Vistara" which is the fastest, most unique, and most rewarding #loyaltyprogram as it offers not on distance traveled but on the amount you spend. It attracts high-paying people more.??
• SpiceJet Limited is?offering a loyalty program named “Spice Club.” It offers members?extra points if they use Spice Jet’s online platform for booking. Members can redeem their points for free flights, complimentary meals, free flight change/cancellations, and priority check-in.???

“Focus on your most loyal and frequent customers” is one of the most basic learnings of any business. For the Air travel industry, business travelers are those customers. So, creating a #loyaltyprogram around their needs is logical. For that, learn their specific needs, then cater to those. It seems easy, but even the Air Travel industry is still learning to create better loyalty rewards programs. There are great examples and progress till now, but a lot remains.

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