63% of UK loyalty scheme members prefer instant rewards over traditional long‑term ones, a clear sign that travellers expect to feel valued the moment they book, not months or years…
UK
Travel
simple
UK Loyalty in Travel Consumer Report 2026
"Travellers are signing up to multiple loyalty memberships. Schemes that pair immediate rewards with longer-term benefits can keep travellers engaged for longer."
63% of UK loyalty scheme members prefer instant rewards over traditional long‑term ones, a clear sign that travellers expect to feel valued the moment they book, not months or years later. This shift toward immediacy is redefining how loyalty is earned, delivered and judged.
At the same time, travellers are rethinking how loyalty fits into their everyday life, and they increasingly want to redeem points in non‑travel categories, such as fashion and everyday essentials. Lifestyle-focused loyalty schemes can offer travellers greater flexibility and relevance that extends far beyond the trip itself.
The biggest opportunities ahead are the rise of new payment models, such as bill-splitting, which can make group travel easier to organise. Integrating bill-splitting features in the travel booking process can remove friction, particularly for travellers under 35 who look for flexible payment options.
The development of agentic AI technology to recommend and book trips may shift loyalty away from travel brands to AI assistants. In the future, these systems will compare value and evaluate point worth, placing loyalty schemes under far greater competitive pressure. To stay visible, brands must ensure their offers, benefits and value propositions are clear for AI systems to easily read and interpret.
This Report Looks at the Following Areas:
What travellers expect from loyalty schemes, incentives to stimulate repeat bookings, including incorporating new payment technologies
Barriers to participating in travel loyalty schemes, including the disconnect between brand-loyal travellers and their membership in a loyalty scheme
Importance of community in travel loyalty schemes and how brands can encourage shared experiences
The role of AI in travel planning and booking, identifying when travellers prefer human contact, and AI’s impact on loyalty
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Outlook for loyalty in travel
Opportunities
Unlock growth through bill-splitting
Build long-term loyalty through instant rewards
Engage travellers with fashion rewards
THE MARKET
Cost of living is still a pressure on consumers
Graph 1: the financial confidence index, 2016-25
Staycations will remain the top holiday destinations in 2026
Graph 2: trips taken in the last 12 months, by destination and travel purpose, 2024-25
Graph 3: destinations planning to visit for a holiday in the next 12 months, 2025
Desire for unique experiences can boost travel growth to lesser-known destinations in 2026
Graph 4: holiday plans for next year, 2024-25
Booking.com’s loyalty scheme has helped it grow its market share
Graph 5: top 10 travel and holiday brands by share of total spend among Snoop users, 2025
AI will supercharge personalisation and convenience
THE CONSUMER
What travellers expect from loyalty schemes
Customer service is a key driver of repeat bookings
Integrate payment splitting in the travel booking process
UK loyalty scheme members want immediate tangible benefits from travel loyalty schemes
Instant rewards can keep consumers engaged and build loyalty in the long term
Discount schemes are more effective than ‘free’ perks for budget airlines
A third of loyalty members have more than one travel loyalty scheme
AI agents can help travellers maximise their rewards effortlessly
Loyalty schemes influence travel decisions
Protect long-standing members from feeling unfairly treated
Graph 6: ‘I think travel loyalty/reward schemes are fair in terms of how points are rewarded’, by age, 2025
Barriers to loyalty schemes
Perception of not travelling enough hinders participation in loyalty schemes even among frequent travellers
Loyal customers are still missing out on membership benefits
Make it easier for consumers to compare loyalty schemes against competitors
Building loyalty through lifestyle and community
Lifestyle integration is key in loyalty schemes
Graph 7: preference for spending loyalty rewards on products/services, by age, 2025
Potential partnerships for brands targeting a younger audience
Young travellers want community-based travel rewards
Graph 8: ‘I would be interested in a travel loyalty/reward scheme that fosters a sense of community’, by age, 2025
Loyalty users want more community features than points
Graph 9: loyalty scheme membership by brand commitment, 2025
INNOVATION AND MARKETING TRENDS
Travel recommendations will come from AI
Booking.com and Expedia integrate their apps into ChatGPT
Lufthansa and Booking.com drive loyalty with flexible payments
Norweigain Cruise Line enhances value by unifying its loyalty scheme
Graph 10: reasons for not being a member of a travel loyalty scheme, by cruise travellers, 2025
Nectar and Marriott Bonvoy partnership offers the ability to convert points between the two loyalty schemes
APPENDIX
Report scope and definitions
The consumer
Consumer research questions
Consumer research methodology
UK generation groups
Other data source methodologies
Snoop SpendMapper methodology
Abbreviations
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