The FINANCIAL -- Than Lost Luggage, Missed FlightsIt may no longer be a stretch to say travelers are married to their frequent traveler programs, according to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

In fact, 73% of travelers would choose loyalty-program benefits over a spouse if they could take just one on the road, according to an eye-opening survey of nearly 10,000 globetrotters released by Starwood Preferred Guest.

Relationships with hotel loyalty programs may even outlive marital unions, the survey said. Seventy-six percent of respondents revealed they felt their status in a hotel loyalty program would last longer than their marriage or current job. And, in a travel emergency, 70 percent of respondents said that their elite status in a hotel loyalty rewards program would be handier than their smartphone, tablet or even their personal assistant.

The study, commissioned to celebrate the launch of a suite of distinct benefits for Starwood Preferred Guest Members, polled 9,900 adults around the world who travel more than 25 times a year. Starwood Preferred Guest, the award-winning loyalty program of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, announced new benefits that make SPG the richest elite program in the industry.

The more Members stay, the more choices are available and the more personalized the benefits become with standouts like lifetime status, first-of-its-kind 24-hour check-in and a dedicated Starwood ambassador who provides one-on-one service to uniquely tailor the guest experience. The new survey demonstrates the value members attach to loyalty programs like Starwood Preferred Guest.

Seventy-four percent of respondents said they would take an extra trip just to rack up miles or status in a loyalty program. And nearly the same number, 73 percent said they’ve taken extra business trips solely to rack up miles or status in a loyalty program.

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