Survey shows what perks are important to passengers on flights

Posted on Monday 25 June 2012 in Singapore, Tokyo

When Indian travellers have to put a large part of their holiday budget into flights, it is  understandable that many hope to receive some perks or benefits. Airlines are trying to meet the needs of their passengers by balancing their profits and keeping their clientele satisfied at the same time.

Recently, a survey by Skyscanner that polled more than 1,000 fliers found out what their dream perks would be on a commercial trip. This was to celebrate the new route  the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will cover, including flights to Tokyo and Singapore starting this fall.

While the new planes may not be equipped with all the benefits some travellers want to enjoy, many had opinions on what they think planes should include to keep patrons happy and relaxed while in the air. The top answers included a hope for features like capsule bunks, "anti-kick" seats and special areas for children. Others who were polled thought having areas for single passengers to meet each could be fun and that free use of tablet computers would be useful during a long flight.

"As a parent, I've flown with my one-year-old child long-haul between Skyscanner's offices in Edinburgh and Singapore and can understand the stress that travelling with children can bring for both the parents themselves and others seated around them, and so I'm not surprised that sound-proof sections and anti-kick seats score so highly on the list," said Ewan Gray, Skyscanner's director for Asia Pacific.

Some of the best airline benefits worldwide

Indian travellers may not experience everything they hope for on their flight, but some airlines are superior when it comes for special benefits on board. Passengers travelling first-class on certain Emirates flights can enjoy a hot shower. On first-class flights with Virgin Atlantic, certain routes have a full teatime service, complete with several varieties of the classic hot beverage and plenty of finger sandwiches, sweets and scones.

Individuals taking economy flights can also indulge in some special rewards on some flights. Air France offers champagne to all those of legal drinking age on long-haul international flights. The Canadian airline Porter also provides complimentary alcoholic beverages to all classes on most of their routes throughout the country.

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