Unveiling a Frequent Flying VIP: the Consistent Jet-Setter

In the realm of air travel, a distinct group has emerged as frequent fliers: the ultra-frequent flyers. These individuals, who make six or more return trips a year, are shaping the aviation industry in significant ways.

A study conducted by On Point Loyalty, as mentioned by its managing director Evert de Boer, has shed light on this intriguing group. Ultra-frequent flyers are more likely to opt for luxury classes, such as business or first class, and their average household income is 37% higher than the average air passenger.

Interestingly, these frequent flyers are not just confined to cities easily accessible by air. Destinations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Amsterdam, as well as those reachable by direct train such as Frankfurt, Geneva, and Barcelona, are popular among them. The growth in contemporary air travel, it seems, is primarily driven by the luxury trips of ultra-frequent flyers.

Their impact on the environment is concerning. Ultra-frequent flyers consume eight times their fair share of the aviation sector's carbon budget, contributing significantly to carbon emissions. This has led to the proposal of a new tax mechanism, the ultra-frequent flyer levy, aimed at encouraging more sustainable choices among this group.

The levy, not a ticket tax, would be payable through personal annual tax returns for individuals flying six or more times in the previous 12-month period. This tax mechanism, first suggested in a report in 2015 by NEF and Possible, has gained traction due to its ease of implementation, as advised by legal advice received in relation to a previous report on a frequent flyer levy in Europe.

It's worth noting that the UK, or more accurately London, remains among the best-connected places in the world, offering a variety of travel options. Yet, the number of UK residents not flying at all each year has actually increased over the period.

The ultra-frequent flyer levy is not a solution to the entire problem, but it's a step in the right direction. As we move towards 2025, the definition of a frequent flyer is inadequate, and it's essential to continue the conversation around sustainable travel choices.