Study “Fear of Losing Loyalty-Program Status Looms Larger Than Lost Luggage, Missed Flights”

A few findings from a study by Starwood Hotels:

• If they could only take one item with them while traveling, most respondents would take their benefits in a hotel loyalty rewards program (73%), rather than their spouse/partner (15%) or luggage (11%).
• Losing their status in a hotel loyalty program (65%) scares respondents more than lost luggage (12%) or missing a flight (11%).
• The survey reinforces that hotel loyalty rewards programs have eclipsed other rewards programs in value. Half of respondents said they consider hotel loyalty programs most important, followed by credit-card (19%) and airline loyalty programs (13%).

You can read more about this study here.

I understand the fear of losing one’s hotel loyalty status, but I’m more concerned about my airline loyalty status. As a matter of fact, I am terrified of losing my status with Air Canada:

• No more priority lane when boarding;
• Start again to find the cheapest fare and subsequently spending countless hours on tens of websites; now I pay more for a fare with Air Canada but at least I know I stand a very good chance to upgrade and a saving of a $100-$200 for a long flight is not worth it;
• And last but not least when I redeem Aeroplan miles I know that the required number of miles does not fluctuate and if they have open seats (sometimes they open seats due to my status) I will be able to book a flight. There is no need to do it months in advance to fly to a popular destination. It is so stressful planning in advance and last minute deals are a myth. I never got them, but the truth is that I did not try too often. Being an employee it is hard to take advantage of last minute deals even if they do exist. Ideally I would book the elusive deal than ask for vacation approval that would be accepted right away. Last minute deal and last minute vacation approval, very difficult to get both of them.

I tried to find a suitable photo for ‘scared’, ‘fear’, ‘terrified’ and I came across this one from wikimedia (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Terrified_Sheep_-_geograph.org.uk_-_669603.jpg) .