In 1981, American Airlines introduced the first airline loyalty program, known as AAdvantage. This program offered passengers the chance to earn points as they travelled, which could then be converted into free tickets or upgrades.
It was a masterful idea designed to promote brand loyalty and ensure customer return. However, with almost every airline offering some sort of loyalty program, how do you stand out?
As it turns out, over 80% of consumers believe that being in a loyalty program influences whether they patronize a brand again. At the same time, about 80% of people report remembering the brand associated with a promotional product and are likely to do business with that brand again.
This tells you that combining your loyalty program with the best promotional products for airlines increases the likelihood that your customers will return.
Why Promotional Products Are So Important in Airline Loyalty Programs
Physical rewards remind your customers about your brand over a long period, unlike points, which are often forgotten once they’re redeemed. Receiving a physical gift implies that you are thankful and find them worthy. This is a direct way of promoting customer loyalty and attachment to your brand.
There’s also the factor that your promotional product will become mobile billboards, such that your brand is seen and remembered way beyond the airport. Take a branded luggage tag, for example, subtly reminding people of your brand as it travels with your customers. Quality airline promotional products give you a competitive edge in this industry.
Top Promotional Products for Travellers
When deciding on the best promotional items for frequent flyers, your focus should be on how useful and beneficial they are to the traveller. The most effective ones are premium travel merchandise and practical travel accessories that enhance comfort during the flight.
To ensure that they’re used regularly and that your brand is consistently exposed, consider high-utility travel essentials:
- Durable luggage tags and passport holders: These are always in demand and will guarantee brand exposure.
- Travel adapters and charging devices: Travel adapters are must must-have travel promotional product, since they are considered valuable among modern travellers.
- Comfort items: Neck pillows and eye masks will also make your brand associated with relaxation and a better flight experience.
For elite loyalty tiers, invest in premium and exclusive items that make them feel special and valued:
- Quality backpacks or carry-ons: These are comfortable, stylish, and a serious fashion item.
- Noise-canceling headphones: A luxurious item that improves travel comfort and reinforces brand association.
- Branded apparel: Premium jackets or scarves give your top-tier members a sense of belonging and exclusivity for top-tier members.
Conclusion
Promotional products for your airline loyalty programs must be well-designed and well thought out if you want to improve brand memory and increase customer lifetime value.
Carefully selecting relevant items, using a tiered distribution model, and adopting personalization are key strategies for giving your loyalty program members memorable experiences that keep them coming back.
The potential for using promotional products for your loyalty programs is high. Contact UCT (Asia) today to discuss how your brand can customize its promotional product strategy and boost loyalty and engagement.
