Published on Thursday, January 31, 2008

Who wants to be connected at 30,000 feet?

A majority or 56% of business travelers do not feel the need or want to be connected at 30,000 feet, according to a recent Orbitz for Business Survey.

When asked if they would take less convenient or more costly flights in order to have Wi-Fi service, 56% of business travelers said it is not a necessity. Somewhat more than one third also say they would try to get a flight with Wi-Fi if it was available, but wouldn't be bothered if it weren't.

The remaining travelers feel wireless service is very important, and would take less convenient or more expensive flights in order to have access.

"Technological advances have made business travelers today more productive than ever before," said Dean Sivley, Senior Vice President, COO and General Manager, Orbitz for Business. He added:

"While there are those who use flight time to catch up on work, and Wi-Fi will enhance that ability, there are also many who view it as valuable downtime. If ever endorsed, many travelers feel it would be hard to rest with the person next to them talking on a cell phone."

The Orbitz for Business survey found 59% of business travelers say they would use the service equally for both business and pleasure, while 21% claim they would use it solely for business. Twenty percent of travelers responded that it would be used exclusively for pleasure.

The Orbitz for Business Corporate Traveler Survey was conducted online using a MarketTools panel of 640 adults ages 18-65 who have traveled for business this year.

Report by David Wilkening

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