Many of the frequent flyer and frequent guest programs I’ve talked to in putting together the Frequent Traveler Awards would mention that feedback of members does matter to them, and seeking these honors does influence their behavior at the margin.

In the July issue of Inside Flyer, Priority Club’s Amy Ceriani-Nelson attributes their decision to keep PointBreaks awards (which have been speculated to be on the way out with the introduction of Last Minute Rewards) to PointBreaks winning a Frequent Traveler Award this year.

IF
Many members we’ve talked to have mentioned that they are concerned that PointsBreaks awards might be going away, or changed in some way. What can you tell us about this?

Ceriani-Nelson
Currently, we are still offering PointBreaks promotions where select hotels from InterContinental Hotels to Holiday Inns are available for 5,000 points per night redemption and we have no immediate plans to change the program. In fact, PointBreaks are currently available. We have received very clear feedback from members regarding how much they value this program–and have won awards around the globe over the past several years as a ‘best redemption promotion’ in addition to being a factor in having been recognized as Program of the Year by several industry publications.

(Emphasis mine.)

I actually predicted that their win for best redemption promotion in the Frequent Traveler Awards would encourage them to keep it around.

And since it’s a reward I do rather like quite a bit as part of the program, thanks to everyone who voted this year!