Cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages alone are not enough when airports are attempting to attract fliers who have multiple airport choices.
In the past, airlines, hotels, and rental car companies have offered loyalty programs as a means of retaining and attracting new customers. Airports are increasingly recognizing that there is competition not only among airlines but also airports and are starting to offer loyalty programs to help them stand out among their competitors.
Airport reward programs are typically free and offer fliers airline miles, prizes or discounts for parking, shopping, dining, and/or simply flying to and from the airport.
Gainesville Regional Airport decided it needed to be proactive to attract fliers who could also depart out of Jacksonville International and Orlando International Airport which offer more frequent and often inexpensive flights.
Gainesville came out with a Warrior Club loyalty program. Passengers are able to register online each time they fly which makes them eligible for a gift at months end. Rewards include Nooks, restaurant gift certificates, theater tickets and Best Buy gift cards.
Over 30 airports around the country, including Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, and Portland International have joined the Thanks Again program, which awards fliers airline miles for parking, shopping or dinning at the airports. Over 100 other airports have merchants or parking garages that participate in Thanks Again.
Airport perks are starting to influence travelers when deciding which airports to use. www.cheapfares.com