Reward programs linked to credit cards, retailers, airlines and hotels can bring out the best or the worst in people. A first-of-its-kind member study of the "Priority Club Rewards" program has identified six distinct behavior patterns of people playing the loyalty game including, "Swinger," "Shepherd," "Stasher," "Snob," "Sherlock," and "Slacker." What category do you fit in?
"SWINGER" You've got it figured out; you're quite savvy. You play both sides - points and miles - to the best advantage. Nights, flights, gift certificates, DVD players... why buy it when you
can get it for free? Bottom Line: Travel connoisseur Tip: Join programs offering everything from air to merchandise - - and features like points transfer and instant redemption.
"SHEPHERD" Miles are your mania. You funnel everything - hotel, rental car, credit card miles - to fuel your free flight fixation. Bottom Line: Mileage junkie Tip: Choose hotel programs that offer collection in miles with a large selection of airline partners particularly with a favorite airline.
"STASHER" You're obsessed. You match every point and mile on your statements against hotel receipts and boarding passes. You're piling up for that rainy day dream vacation. Bottom Line: Meticulous point-mounter Tip: Pick programs with no point expiration. Some wipe out points after 18 months.
"SNOB" You deserve recognition. A room with a view, first class seats, you're different from the common "riff raff" traveller. Points? Miles? You pile and save merely as a necessity to be treated like royalty.
Bottom Line: Elitist Tip: Opt for programs that count points toward Elite status, not just nights or stays.
"SHERLOCK" You're the shrewdest game player. Seeking the best bonus, you want the biggest bang for your buck. Spend a dime without earning points and miles? A waste of time. Bottom Line: Bargain-hunter Tip: Concentrate hotel stays to programs with a large number of hotel locations, frequent "bonuses" and multiple point-earning partners.
"SLACKER" Points, schmoints; you don't see the excitement. Getting a free in-room movie for signing up makes the program worth it. Bottom Line: Lazybones Tip: Select a program with "immediate" perks like extended check-out and a weekday newspaper.
For your profile type and to get additional tips on choosing the best loyalty program, visit www.priorityclub.com/whoareyou.
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