Tripadvisor published the result of its survey on air travel. I agree with most of the things mentioned by the respondents but I also would like to highlight something you might find a bit controversial, I find babies and children very annoying both in short and long flights. I’d like to start a petition to have ‘adults only’ flights.
The following are some results of the survey:
“Fee’d” Up with Airline Charges
Forty-six percent of travelers think checked baggage fees are the most annoying fee airlines now charge, followed by 24 percent for seat selection fees and 18 percent for carry-on baggage fees. Seventy-two percent of respondents expect the overall cost of airline fees to rise during the remainder of the year. Travelers expect priority seating fees (49 percent), carry-on baggage fees (46 percent) and seat selection fees (41 percent) to either be added or expanded by some airlines in 2011.
Flyers Beg for Leg Space
Uncomfortable seats and limited legroom topped the list of traveler gripes about air travel, with 26 percent of respondents saying it was their biggest complaint. This was followed by the 23 percent who said airline fees and the 17 percent who cited rising airfares. When asked what one thing airlines should do to make the in-flight experience better, the vast majority – 43 percent—cited more legroom.
Sick or Smelly, Whoa Nelly!
Twenty-eight percent of respondents said that a sick seatmate was the worst kind of seatmate to have on an airplane. This was followed by the 27 percent of travelers who said a smelly seatmate and the 13 percent who responded a “space intruder.” When it comes to socializing with their seatmate during a flight, 74 percent of travelers said that a little small talk is fine, but that they like to keep to themselves for most of the flight. Only 12 percent of respondents said they enjoy socializing with their seatmate during a flight.
Additional Air Travel Tidbits:
- The number one carry-on essential for travelers was a book, according to 74 percent—more than an iPad/tablet, laptop, and portable music player combined.
- 54 percent of travelers chose the aisle as their favorite seat, while 42 percent pick the window.
- 82 percent of respondents think passengers of size should be required to purchase tickets for two seats on their flights if they infringe on the seat next to them.
- 35 percent said they often take advantage of frequent flier points, 13 percent said they always do.
- 77 percent of respondents said they would go on a last minute trip if they found a great deal on a flight.
5countries 