Ever wondered what fellow travellers value most when flying the friendly skies? A recent study by Travelport has shed some light on what makes or breaks the in-flight experience for most passengers. In this blog, we’ll explore the results and see what perks top the list and how traveller preferences differ based on whether they’re frequent flyers or occasional travellers.
Luggage Allowance Takes the Top Spot
According to the study, luggage allowance is the top priority for most passengers. 63% of respondents said the number of free carry-on or checked bags is the key factor when booking flights. With airlines increasingly charging extra baggage fees, travellers place a high value on being able to bring more luggage without paying additional costs. This is particularly important for extended trips or travelling with families.
Flexibility Is Key
Another priority for travellers is having the flexibility to change their plans. The study found that 50% of respondents value flexible change and cancellation policies and the ability to choose seats without extra fees. This has become even more important in the post-pandemic world, where unexpected changes in travel plans are more common. The option to adjust bookings without additional charges gives travellers peace of mind, knowing that their trips remain adaptable.
Travellers Are Not Giving Up on Their Adventures
Despite the rising cost of living and the ongoing effects of the pandemic, many people continue to prioritise travel. According to the study, 29.3% of respondents said they would not stop travelling to save money. This shows how important travel remains for many, even in tough times.
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When it comes to redeeming Avios points for flights, travellers often look for more than just basic services. Many travellers book flights with Avios for BA reward flights in British Airways Avios Business Class, which provides additional value, especially on long-haul flights. Perks like more legroom, complimentary meals, and access to lounges improve the travel experience and add more value to the Avios points used.
The Value of Loyalty Programme Benefits Varies
Perks like seat upgrades or free meals are valuable for loyalty programme members, but how much they matter can vary. According to the Barclays US Consumer Bank’s 2023 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report, which surveyed 1,000 travellers, lower fees are the top priority, with 52% of respondents considering it the most important factor. Meanwhile, free hotel nights, seat upgrades, and complimentary breakfast ranked fourth, with 42% saying they were important. Here’s how travellers ranked their priorities:
- Lower fees (52%)
- Flexibility when using points or miles (47%)
- Ability to earn more points or miles (46%)
- Perks (42%)
- Ability to make last-minute changes (37%)
- More options for airlines or hotels (32%)
- Personalised support (27%)
Why Lower Fees Matter More Now
Of those prioritising lower fees, 72% said they’ve become more important in the past five years. This could be due to the growing number of additional fees travellers face today. In air travel, for example, basic economy fares have become more common. While these fares are often cheaper, they typically come with extra costs for services like checked bags or seat selection, which used to be included in standard ticket prices. Although airfares have generally decreased over time (August 2023 fares were 19% lower than in August 2013, according to US Bureau of Labour Statistics data), many previously free services now incur additional fees.
This issue is not limited to airlines. In the hotel industry, travellers widely dislike resort fees, which supposedly cover amenities like pools or Wi-Fi. According to the Federal Trade Commission, resort fees have been around since the late 1990s but have become an increasing source of frustration.
What Does This Mean for Travellers with Avios Points?
The results of these studies help explain why more people choose to book flights with Avios for Business Class. For many travellers, British Airways Avios Business Class redemptions provide greater flexibility, added comfort, and a smoother travel experience.
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One of the major advantages of using Avios points for flights in Business Class is the extra luggage allowance. Travellers often receive additional baggage benefits, making it ideal for those who need to pack more for their trip. British Airways Avios members see great value in these rewards because they also include priority boarding and dedicated check-in, which reduce the stress of flying.
Other benefits of BA reward flights in Business Class include larger seats that convert into fully flat beds, premium meals with complimentary drinks, more legroom, and direct aisle access from every seat. But the Business Class redemption value becomes most evident on long-haul flights, where the cost in Avios points is significantly more efficient than what you’d pay in cash for the same seat. Business Class redemptions offer more comfort, perks, and flexibility for fewer points relative to the ticket price. When comparing the Avios points needed for Economy seats versus Business Class, the difference in points spent versus the experience gained is substantial.
Moreover, Avios Business Class redemptions provide a much higher return of 1p per Avios on average. This means that for every Avios point used, you get more value in service, comfort, and overall experience. Business Class redemptions are the best choice for frequent flyers looking to make the most of their Avios points, offering a premium travel experience and excellent value for points spent.
