Choosing the right airline can make or break a travel experience from check-in to landing, but for most passengers, luggage allowance ranks as the top priority when booking flights. A recent study by Travelport, a prominent online travel retail platform, highlights this trend and reveals the onboard perks travelers value most.
New Study Identifies Traveler Preferences
The Travelport study examined various factors that passengers consider when selecting an airline, offering choices ranging from legroom and complimentary Wi-Fi to seat selection. Despite tight budgets, many travelers are not willing to compromise on certain key aspects of their travel experience. “Almost a third (29.3 percent) of people aren’t willing to give up traveling to save money,” Travelport stated in an interview with Travel + Leisure. The study also pinpointed the top three flight perks that matter most to travelers.
Luggage Allowance Is the Leading Factor
Surveying about 1,700 passengers who had flown at least once in the past year, the study found that 63 percent of respondents considered the number of free carry-on or checked bags the most important factor when booking a flight. This preference outranked other features such as legroom and inflight entertainment. In addition, 50 percent of respondents identified flexible change and cancellation policies, as well as free seat selection, as key decision-making factors.
Beyond Extras: Essential Needs Take Priority
These top three considerations—luggage allowance, flexible policies, and seat selection—surpassed other amenities like Wi-Fi, inflight entertainment, and legroom. This suggests that passengers prefer essential services, such as baggage and flexibility, to be included in the cost of their airfare, reflecting a shift toward practicality over added comforts.
Airlines Respond to Changing Preferences
In response to these evolving preferences, some low-cost carriers have adjusted their policies to better meet passenger demands. Airlines like Frontier and Spirit, known for their à-la-carte pricing models, have recently removed change fees and introduced fare classes that include amenities such as seat selection and baggage. JetBlue also now offers free carry-on bags with basic economy tickets, a change from its previous policy that restricted passengers to personal items like small backpacks.
Southwest Airlines Prepares for Policy Shifts
Southwest Airlines, which already provides passengers with free checked baggage and flexible booking options, is also planning to adjust its boarding process. The airline, known for its open-boarding policy, is set to implement assigned seating in the near future, signaling another shift toward aligning with customer preferences for convenience and predictability.
Conclusion
As airlines continue to adapt to traveler needs, it’s clear that essential services like baggage allowance, flexibility, and seat selection are paramount to the passenger experience. With these insights, carriers can fine-tune their offerings to better align with what travelers prioritize most, making for a more seamless and satisfying journey.