In-flight comfort

A recent survey conducted by American Express indicates that more business travellers plan to down-grade to Economy Class on international flights. This follows the trend of the last three years and leaves the airlines searching for new initiatives to woo the traveller back to the front of the plane.

The survey also showed that more and more business people will let their travel pattern be dictated by price and the vast majority expect to be using low-cost carriers on a regular basis.

The gap between the comforts of First or Business Class and Economy Class will probably widen. Already, American carriers are reluctant to provide more leg-room in the economy cabin and are even charging those at the back of the plane for alcoholic drinks on transatlantic routes.

Price and comfort is bound to help decide which route a business person will take on an intercontinental flight. For those still travelling in First or Business Class, the comfort, grandeur and style in air travel is making a comeback. British Airways has introduced an upgraded Club World cabin with seats which convert into beds, seat-side telephone, pc power supply and multi-channel television. Lufthansa has a 48-seater Business class only service between Düsseldorf and New York using a Boeing 737-700 series aircraft. Passengers using this service enjoy rapid check-in and baggage retrieval, personal service and a nostalgic club-like atmosphere on board.

The map of international travel changes dramatically as the aircraft manufacturers introduce each new brand of aircraft.

Just 20 years ago, airports in the Middle East such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai were recognised as popular stop-over points for those on long journeys to such faraway points as Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok. Aircraft could not carry sufficient fuel to fly such long distances in one hop. Nowadays the stop-over is made in these Far Eastern cities by those who do not want to travel from Europe to Australia non-stop.

Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air have become much more focused on stop-over and transfer traffic. In the past, those looking for discount fares to India and the Far East would be drawn to these airlines. The upgraded service in their Business and First Class, however, is now proving a magnet to the business traveller, especially when consolidated fares and complimentary stop-over hotels make the journey more cost effective and enjoyable.

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a typical example of a destination that has modernised dramatically in recent years with some of the world’s finest hotels on offer and an airline that provides some of the industry’s finest comforts. Premium passengers with Qatar Airways enjoy a chauffeur driven limousine to transfer them to and from the terminal in Doha as well as 180° reclining seats attended by one of the highest crew to passenger ratios in the sky.

The list of acceptable transfer points for those seeking cheaper fares and added value are numerous.

Passengers making for South America may find Air France via Paris a feasible option. TAP Air Portugal and Iberia also offer excellent connections over Lisbon and Madrid, which are normally up to 40% cheaper than the direct fare. Passengers flying from regional airports may also find transferring at a point other than London more convenient, especially if a change of terminal is required at Heathrow.

When arranging for a traveller to transfer en-route always check that the transfer point is acceptable to them. Many foreign passport holders may need a transit visa. Some African transfer points may require extra health documentation.

Allow plenty of time for a transfer connection as every airport in the world has its own set Minimum Connecting Times, to which the passenger must adhere. These take into consideration the geographical layout of the airport and the facilities offered by the airlines concerned.

Saving money is important to all companies but it is also important to bear in mind the stress and tension that travel has on the staff concerned. It is not wise to demotivate staff for the sake of saving a few pennies.