Exactly what is it that travelers can't live without when flying? Obviously this varies from person-to-person, and also depends on the length of the travel route. What do travelers expect for free? What are they willing to pay for? A recent study by Expedia and Northstar looked at these questions; thousands of people were surveyed from varying countries and this is what they found:
What Americans won’t pay for:
- On short haul routes (< 3 hours) Americans were less likely than those of other nationalities to pay for seats with extra leg room, or for a meal
- Check baggage fees. 67 percent of Americans “avoid baggage fees at all costs.,” More than half pack lighter to avoid bag fees, potential baggage loss, and the wait at the baggage carousel.
What Americans will pay for:
- On longer haul flights ( 7-12 hours) we're more likely to pay for a meal, an aisle seat, and extra legroom
- Booze. Americans are more likely to pay for an alcoholic drinks.
- Quiet zones. Places free of children
Things we like to have and enjoy while in mid-air:
- Water
- A personal mobile device of smart phone (for listening to music, browsing online, etc)
- Headphones and an entertainment system
- Meals
- Some sleep
- Something to read
I guess there's nothing too surprising about these findings. How about you? What can't you do without when flying?
More on this story from Expedia at this link and Travelpulse at this link.
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