Strannix about flights

Air travellers are flying into trouble everyday, and this is not just about commotion. By Tuesday, the average air fare had risen to N28,000 for one hour flight. Those travelling to popular destinations such as the well-known “triangle” – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt – could be subjected to random increase in business airfares by the airlines. A passenger who purchased a ticket by noon for N28,000 may have saved N3,000, compared to another passenger who purchased a like ticket to the same destination one hour later at N31,000. 

Airline sources have predicted that fares may go up to N40,000 for one hour flight on economy in the next three weeks, considering how the operators are rival on hikes. Even now, Aero Contractors sold its Tuesday business class tickets at N41.500 and its economy seat at N31,000, which is inching closer to N40,000. Airline operators had accused the marketers of operating alliance and fixing prices that are insulated from the actual landing price of the product, but the marketers which have muffled competition among themselves held the airlines by the jugular and seemed to have given them no choice but to also increase the air fares.

Business class passengers have revealed through an online review that seat comfort and access to Wi-Fi are the two most important facilities whilst on board a flight. The online poll conducted by Corporate Traveller provided eight options for participants to choose from including, access to Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment, food and beverage service, friendly cabin crew, cabin seat comfort, comfort kits, luggage grant and reading materials.

The online poll open that from the 282 participants, seat comfort (51 per cent) is the most important feature for business travellers followed by access to Wi-Fi (22 per cent) food and beverage (nine per cent) in-flight entertainment (six per cent) friendly cabin crew (five per cent) luggage allowance (four per cent) reading materials (two per cent) and in-flight comfort kits (one per cent).

According to the study the least important products offered by airlines were in-flight amenity kits which received only one per cent of votes.

“Our business travellers have rated most greatly the three items that are going to help them focus on their core tasks as soon as they land,” Corporate Traveller national marketing manager Chris Preston said.

“Businesses should consider the type of business airfares their travellers are booking, buying the right type of airfare for each trip is an important plan for organisations seeking maximum return on investment for their spend on business travel.