Airlines charges: Over half of travelers incur costs

In a comprehensive study conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) between July and September 2014, the habits and preferences of travellers from around the world were examined. The survey, which received responses from nearly 5,500 people from more than 140 countries, provided valuable insights into the travel industry.

One of the key findings was the high percentage of travellers who prefer self-tagging their bags. A staggering 75 percent of respondents indicated they would use a printed or electronic bag tag when checking in their luggage.

Another interesting revelation was the interest shown by 80 percent of travellers in tracking their bags throughout their journey. This suggests a growing demand for real-time updates and transparency in baggage handling.

The survey also delved into the process of purchasing airline tickets. It was found that 85 percent of travellers compared multiple travel websites before making a purchase, demonstrating the importance of competitive pricing and user-friendly platforms in the industry.

When it comes to ancillary revenue, the study found that airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines were the top earners. These airlines reported leading earnings primarily in the early 2020s, with significant growth around 2020 to 2023.

The survey covered 114 airlines from around the globe. In North America, it was observed that a high percentage of travellers frequently purchase optional services such as reserved seats, upgrades, and baggage fees.

Despite delayed bags being a major problem for 25 percent of travellers, 90 percent of passengers expressed satisfaction with how their luggage was handled by the airlines. This suggests that while there is room for improvement, the majority of travellers are content with the current baggage handling processes.

The survey also found that 12 percent of respondents were dissatisfied with baggage fees. This indicates a potential area for improvement, as airlines strive to balance revenue generation with customer satisfaction.

In terms of check-in, almost 40 percent of travellers prefer automatic check-in, receiving their boarding pass from the airline by text message or email.

Finally, the survey revealed that more than 55 percent of travellers booked flights directly from an airline (website or mobile app). This highlights the importance of airlines having a strong online presence and user-friendly booking systems.

The study also reported a significant increase in ancillary revenue, including baggage fees, from $2.45 billion in 2007 to $31.5 billion for 2013, a 1,200 percent increase. This underscores the growing importance of ancillary revenue for airlines.

The survey used social media, email, and word-of-mouth to reach respondents, ensuring a wide and diverse range of opinions were gathered. This comprehensive approach has resulted in a valuable resource for the travel industry, providing insights into the habits and preferences of travellers worldwide.