56% of Britons claim price top priority when choosing air travel. 39% state comfortable seats main concern in terms of on-board facilities. Just 4% prioritise complimentary in-flight drinks.
Day-long delays, overnight stopovers and crushed on-board seating can turn the once-glamourous tradition of flying, into a nightmare journey for some travellers. So what are the most important factors Britons consider when booking up, to make for a more tranquil trip?
Travel search site momondo.co.uk this week analysed survey data from 1,000 Britons, on factors they prioritise when booking air travel.
When choosing the airline, price comes in of top priority*, with 56% claiming it was of highest importance when choosing a flight for non-business trip.
Interestingly, price got more votes as a priority, than a precise time and departure, which for 44% of Brits came in second place, as most important factor when booking.
Direct flights (so no stopovers) were of upmost importance to 35% of Britons, whilst 22% of Brits find it important the airport is close to their hotel or end destination, to avoid having to travel far to reach their destination.
Less important factors for Britons when choosing flights are that the airline has received good user reviews – 10% stated this as most important. And 13% book flights as they know the airline well and use it often. A mere 7% of Brits choose a flight because friends, family or colleagues recommended the airline, though just 5% consider earning frequent flyer points important when booking a flight. Only 5% find airline awards or expert recommendations important when booking up.
It’ll be alright on the flight?
And when it comes to prioritising on-board facilities, a massive 39% stated state comfortable seating as their highest priority – so ample leg room and able to sit comfortably, so for example with a reclining seat.
Choosing an airline known for its polite and helpful cabin crew is a priority for 8% of Britons. With more airlines now offering Wi-Fi on-board, 5% of Britons now find this an important factor and 7% stated the entertainment system must be good.
Only 4% of Britons state they’d book up if the beverages are free. Conversely, 27% of Britons don’t prioritise any on-board facilities when choosing an airline.
Spokesperson at momondo, Lasse Skole Hansen, states: “We understand Brits love a bargain when it comes to travel. With the number of airlines today competing for sales on the same routes, many travellers are happy to search for bargains to secure the seats they want. Statistically momondo has proved the cheapest air fares are found by searching 53 days ahead of travel date.
“It’s clear though that in-flight comfort is most important to Brits still. Whilst travellers are happy to forego the free gin and tonic or beer, available on more upmarket carriers mid-air, many are booking smarter – opting ahead of time for a mid-range airline at a better price, which offers a modicum of comfort.”
*Recipients could select up to three answers.
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.
