Lounge access? Nice. Early check-in? Deal breaker.
For today’s business traveler, loyalty perks and rewards are assumed, but an offer of control and flexibility can make all the difference in the world. Our research shows that 69% say flexible check-in/check-out, no-fee changes, and on-demand workspace access outweigh legacy perks like upgrades or elite status.
Uncertainty defines the modern business trip. Travelers are juggling canceled meetings, delayed flights, shifting client schedules, and time-zone changes. Traditional loyalty benefits don’t help when an itinerary gets upended. The ability to adapt quickly does.
These “you’re in control” benefits have emerged as new premium loyalty differentiators. For many road warriors, the reassurance of knowing a travel brand is ready to support the dynamics of the modern business trip may be the deciding factor in whether a hotel feels like a partner or just a place to sleep.
Quote from the Tribe:
“It’s a big deal when a hotel adapts to my schedule and needs. Flight delays happen. Early international arrivals. Meetings get moved. The properties I choose repeatedly are the ones that help me go with the flow.
U.S.-based business traveler – 24 professional trips per year
Commercial Takeaway
Market flexibility as a core loyalty benefit, unique to business travel. Highlight options like no-fee changes, guaranteed early international check-in, or instant workspace access in loyalty marketing to this audience that will reward adaptability with repeat business.
Message us to discuss how your approach compares.
About the MODIV Tribes Series
Since 2022, MODIV’s always-on Mindset® study has engaged more than 48,000 frequent travelers across 25 countries. Our mission: decode the why behind traveler behavior—so travel and hospitality brands can act smarter, faster, and with greater commercial precision.
Our Tribes series distills what hospitality leaders need to know—direct from the source. Each quarter, we engage Business Travelers, Luxury Travelers, Zillennials, and Meeting Planners through our proprietary Mindset® study, then translate what we hear into strategic insights you can use.
This isn't one-and-done research. Each quarter, we go back to a tribe to test sharper questions based on what you tell us you need to know. Got a question you want answered? We invite you to add your voice in the comments or reach out directly.
About the Business Travel Tribe
This study reflects insights from a blended qualitative and quantitative session with 152 travelers across 15 countries, all of whom take 6+ annual business trips requiring flights and hotels. Participants represent a diverse mix of industries, company sizes, job levels, and travel policy types.