Twitter + Fares = Twares

Like many other business sectors, the travel industry has adopted Twitter as a medium for B2C communication. But how are they using it and how can you benefit?

JetBlue, one of the most followed Twitter members, offers Twitter-based customer service (note: they even present the name of the customer support agent currently on duty).

By means of their Twitter profile, Southwest Airlines manages non-official and sometimes amusing discussions with their customers.

United Airlines is now jumping on the bandwagon, offering “Twares,” which, as you might have already guessed, are exclusive, time-sensitive fare offers from United to its Twitter followers. You’ve already missed the first few specials, but don’t fret, a “Mileage Plus Special Offer” is still available — a customer rewards program where consumers can register for and collect a “small bonus” when United’s Twitter account hits 10,000 followers — a token of United’s appreciation.

The UA marketing tactic is quite elegant in its approach, offering up a set number of special fares exclusively to Twitter users, because you need to follow them closely if you want to have any chance of getting the deal.

Travel is a multi-billion dollar industry and the companies in this space are using social media tools more often as they look for cost-efficient marketing techniques in this cool economy. Listed below are a few other Twitter players who hold a big stake in the travel industry:

Luxury Las Vegas
Twitter Name: LuxorLV

Marriott International Hotels and Resorts
Twitter Name: MarriottIntl

Carnival Cruise Lines
Twitter Name: CarnivalCruise

Hertz
Twitter Name: ConnectByHertz