EFFICIENT: Consumer Spending Habits in Focus

Travelers today are looking for more than just a free bag of peanuts and soda on flights and during hotel stays.

According to a recent survey, by joining traveler loyalty programs with airlines and hotels around the globe, consumers are earning points and redeeming them for not only free travel, but gift cards and even cash, to offset the slowly recovering economy—even if they are traveling on their company’s dime. Don Berg, vice president of Loyalty Programs and Partnerships for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) said due to the economic climate, members of loyalty programs are looking to cash in more and more on everyday items, instead of another vacation.

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/travel/2011/03/31/travel-loyalty-rewards-programs/#ixzz1IDkecJwJ