Originally posted by Scrooge
But can we all agree, even if you are only flying once a year it is still worth it, sure it may take you a few years to get that free flight (plus taxes) but it is worth it right ?
It is providing that VS are providing a competitive product and you feel satisfied with the experiance. It isn't if you're paying more than what's on offer elsewhere and the product fails to meet your expectations. It's pointless getting something free if what your buying is more expensive in the first place and you feel dissapointed with the experience.
Right now I feel VS sit somewhere in the middle but if you are using them or their partners you'd be stupid not to collect the miles. On that point I think we would all agree.
The other thing you have to take into consideration is the overall value or more importantly perceived value of loyalty cards. How many of us remember the days when petrol companies offered loyalty schemes where you could earn points to get a stereo or TV. It works up until the point that you realise that the things you are saving for are unattainable unless you are a commercial traveller or moon rocket pilot.
Supermarkets are in the same boat. They started off with a good idea but as more people join, the benefits are reduced because the overheads of the scheme become too expensive. And of course the canny British shoppers realise that if they have a card for every supermarket they can save points with everyone. My wife's purse is full of loyalty cards and when I asked why she said 'because they're free'.
And there's the rub. How many commercial organisations do you know that provide anything for free. All these schemes have a cost and this is built into the overall cost base of the business. So that free can of beans from the supermarket or the free glasses from the petrol station or that free flight in UCS has been paid for somewhere. It might be a penny on a litre of petrol or a pound on a Y class ticket but it has been included somewhere.
The only real difference with airlines is that their product has a unique 'shelf life' since each empty seat on a plane represents lost revenue so giving to a FC member for free does not increase their costs. But even this isn't strictly true. The extra weight burns more fuel, and additional meal and drinks have a cost and of course you have to include the administration.
So I guess in the end the moral is join every loyalty scheme you can because why shouldn't you get some extra value from it. But remember to buy from the business that's offering the best deal that meets your requirements. Paying more for for something because their loyalty scheme is better just doesn't stack up, does it?
Miopyk[8D]
