Cracks appearing in low-cost travel assumptions
The long-standing assumption is that price is all consumers think about when booking travel, but a new survey raises a question:
Are American travelers finally looking beyond price as the only reason for a purchase?
Yes, says a survey by Amadeus that comes following Northwest Airline’s recent announcement it will now charge for seats with “extra” leg room.
“We’ve discovered that more than half of the flying public would be willing to spend more for improving the quality of their flights,” said Nicole Lowe, spokeswoman Amadeus.
How much more?
Up to $20, the survey found.
Passengers also were willing to pay more for individual services such as gourmet food or high quality scotch.
“Amadeus found that travelers are not just looking for a low fare — they want choices, and are even willing to pay for amenities and options that will enhance their flying experience,” said Chris Barnes, vice president.
“Consumers are not always looking for the lowest price; they are looking for the best price that fits in line with their travel needs,” he added.
The Amadeus study, don’t with research firm Leflein Assocaites, found nine out of ten travelers find value in the ability to find flight and fare information quickly.
The survey, which Amadeus said was an “exclusive,” questioned 1,000 travelers.
The survey also found that of those travelers using Web sites, 83% said they would switch to an airline Web site if it offered flexible fares and add-on options.
Mr Barnes said that was “encouraging news” for the airline industry.
Airlines that provide consumers flexibility — choice, control and convenience — can more effectively compete for consumers’ business,” he said.
Northwest recently began offering larger prime aisle and exit row seats for a $15 premium.
Report by David Wilkenng
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season