Onboard comfort and free WiFi less important than cost.
A survey conducted by leading beach holiday specialist On the Beach has revealed that when it comes to booking flights, price is more important than any other element, including onboard service and comfort.
The survey of 1,200 British holidaymakers revealed almost three quarters (64%) are led by price alone when booking flights whilst 23% are more likely to choose flights departing from their local airport, regardless of the cost.
The survey revealed that the cost of a flight is far more important than anything else with just 5% of those polled saying they choose to fly with airlines offering better seat comfort and pitch, no matter how much extra this might cost them when purchasing their flights.
Furthermore, just 3% pick service over cost, with these travellers only choosing airlines they believe offer a better-quality customer service.
Earlier this year, British Airways scrapped its free food and drink offering onboard its short-haul flights, bringing the airline ever-closer to its ‘low cost’ competition airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair. This survey by On the Beach suggests it was a smart move by BA; of those surveyed, just 1% said the opportunity to enjoy complimentary food and drink was the most important element when booking their flights.
The ability to connect to WiFi and collect air miles are much less important than perhaps expected, with less than 1% of those surveyed stating these as the most important to them than any other element when booking their flights.
Alistair Daly, Chief Marketing Officer at On the Beach comments: “Our survey shows that cost really is king and whilst we all enjoy a few extras such as complimentary meals, refreshments and complimentary WiFi, we will forgo most of these if it means we can get a flight for a better price.”
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
