Reason to be loyal to an airline
Sure, there are airline rewards programs, but does it really help to be loyal to a specific airline? Most people don’t have an airline preference, but should you?
FIRST: Just a quick disclosure, this is specifically written for infrequent travelers. Those who travel several times a year already understand these benefits and others that come with being airline loyal.
While it might seem like all airlines are the same, and even being a member of their frequent flyer program doesn’t provide much customer service, here are some reasons why I choose to be airline loyal: EXPECTATIONS.
One of the biggest complaints people have about air travel is that the airlines almost always fail to meet their expectations. Part of this is because every airline is just a bit different from each other. And while most rate poor to very poor, they each excel at something different. But if you hop around you never get a chance to see what they’re good at, but just continue to be disappointment.
Here is couple of examples:
Southwest is known for their bags fly free — a great perk for those who choose to fly them. Plus, you can make last minute changes or cancellations and not pay huge fees. But those who fly also know to expect ‘open seating’ and queuing up earlier than other airlines at the gate.
Those who prefer Delta know that they have the best on-time record, and have the best premium economy of any domestic airline… However, they tend to be the most expensive on many routes, and often have sub standard customer service.
Then there is Spirit. They excel at the absolutely bare bottom price, as low at $5.00 — yes, FIVE dollars. But in exchange you’ll have undisputably the worst customer service experience, and they’re not ashamed to stay it. They also charge for everything, including carry on luggage or even talking to a real person a the airport!
Each airline has something they’re great at, and other things they’re not. There is no ‘one size’ fits all airline approach.
If you’re not loyal, you really have no way to have expectations met. Your last experience will not likely match your next experience if you’re changing airlines.
Take this to the level of business class seats, and it becomes even more pronounced. There can be a huge difference between business class seats.
By choosing to be loyal, you’ll understand what ‘your’ airline is like and have the right expectations. You’ll actually have the chance for the airline to make you happy about air travel again.
On a closing note, don’t confuse flying 1-2 times per year on a specific airline to really count as airline loyalty – the airline will not see it that way, so don’t get the expectation that you’re entitled to special treatment as a ‘loyal’ flyer. The benefits for the infrequent traveler are primarily to help you have a better experience by knowing what to expect from your airline.
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