From all the online discussions and articles highlighting the increasingly uncomfortable seating in economy, you’d think that “more room in coach” (as the old American Airlines slogan had it) would be most passengers’ first choice of a perk, if offered. But no! It turns out that discounts came in first.
A recent survey sponsored by the GO Group, a Chicago-based company that operates airport transportation at some 60 airports, offered a choice of four options: a discount on your next flight, more legroom, priority boarding, and free in-flight meals. Almost 50 percent of the 850 respondents chose the coupon.
More legroom, at 32% came in second, followed by priority boarding (11%) and free meals (9%). The survey team reported that there was no significant difference of opinion between male and female respondents.
Everything has relative value — a hungry person would pick the free meal, for instance — but at some point people pay for comfort. Many already pay a little extra for legroom by sitting in the exit row (or use points to do so). There comes a point where, especially on longer flights, you want to be comfortable and are willing to pay a little more to achieve that.
I definitely consider the pitch and width of airline seats when making purchases, especially overseas purchases. I’ll pay a little more for a better seat.
I’d agree…in fact, the issue of space is what keeps me from considering some longer flights…and I have been known to change flights for the possibility of a 2-seat row rather than 3…better an aisle and a window without a middle!