Most travellers use automobiles and buses to travel. Automobiles encompass 79 percent of all travel while buses make up 3 percent of travel. Airlines also compete with railroads such as Amtrak. The average length for railroad travel is approximately 280 miles. But business travellers require flight frequency and reliability when choosing an airline.
Airlines can differenciate themselves from the competition through frequent flyer programs.
These programs allow travellers to accumulate bonus miles to receive discounts on future travel. They are often redeemed for fre air tickets or service upgrades. These programs are designed to promote repeat business and solidify a customers' choice to use one airline carrier. Airline fares fluncuate by the month, week, day, minute , hour , an even second. Fare differencials can persuade leisure travellers.