I definetely think tests like this are valid and worth pursuing. For $50 in cost to the company the employee reaps a benefit (access to multiple clubs), which in turn will yield a benefit to the company in the form of increased productivity for that employee while on the road, not to mention the halo effect of being provided enhanced club access, which in turn could positively impact adherence to the travel policy. How could that be you ask? In your current environment, travelers are granted access to one club, which I’m thinking will impact which airline they want to fly. Some years ago, I worked under the very same type of policy and I was absolutely influenced by the club access to the point where I would go slightly out of my way to fly that carrier, and since my travel policy had a “spend allowance” (in our case I could go out of policy provided I was not spending more than $75 extra), I often did. I converted to a $400 card (company reimbursed) that gave me access to multiple clubs and guess what, I was not as hesitant to take the lowest logical fare if it was on a carrier I had “perks” with, and since I had more to choose from, I complied and took the lowest fare more often.

I’m guessing your folks are no different but just the fact that you are thinking this way makes all the sense in the world if you ask me.

TD

Yes, in my presentation I make this point and suggest that companies like Apple and Google who have fiercely loyal supporters could easily disrupt a managed program via whatever suggestion they might eventually make. Interesting times indeed.

TD

I haven’t gotten a closer look beyond what they have shared publicly, but from what I can gather they seem to be taking the approach of not fighting the end user who thinks they can find something better on the web. In my past reviews of online sites, there are times when things are not exactly as they appear to be when you move beyond the search and try to book (this is particularly true of the meta search tools). I don’t know if that will be present an issue for Shorts, but their approach is an interesting one that I will continue to track.

TD

I just sat through a demo of the Short’s travel system that was featured on the beat, and also tries to address some of the concerns you bring up here. Have you looked at their solution and if so, do you have any thoughts?

Air travel security should be more proactive. 10 years after 9/11, it’s embarrassing that we apparently have not been able to develop adequate solutions that allow us to identify potential terrorists before they ever get to an airport. To TSA’s credit, the new “pre check” program that links with databases such as airlines’ frequent flier programs and Global Entry offer hope.

Years ago, I advocated that if we want to fly, we should get the equivalent of an “air traveler’s license.” I’m not in favor of unnecessary government regulations, and I am not a fan of the DMV in California, where I live. I certainly don’t relish the thought of creating more bureaucracy. But if such a program would mean a more efficient airport screening process, I’d be all for it.

Finally, thank you for citing Yankee Doodles. You brought back a moment form my long-lost youth.

Henry

Thank you for this opportunity to vent.

TD