84 per cent of airline passengers say no to mobile phone usage onboard ... 71 per cent will fly the same or more in the next year, and if they get bored on the flight, 60 per cent will pass the time watching the inflight entertainment. Poll results

The latest series of global passenger polls conducted by Skytrax show some interesting pointers behind what makes the airline customer tick.

With more than 50,000 passengers polled in just over a week on a wide range of air travel subjects, it appears that as whole, we are maybe not quite as demanding as some might believe.

A staggering 84 per cent of passengers are against the idea of allowing mobile phone usage onboard flights - probably more from the sheer nuisance factor rather than safety issues. According to the system / service suppliers, we will not be disturbed and cabin staff will be able to control and monitor mobile phone usage. The more cynical would probably judge it for what it may be - a way for service supplier and airlines to try and make money, and clearly it is not in any way an idea that has been designed to satisfy a latent desire among passengers.

At least recent increases in airport and air travel security do not appear to be dampening the desire to fly by air - 71 per cent of those polled likely to travel the same or more in the next year. Only 28 per cent of customers say that they are concerned about damage to the environment caused by air travel, which in a way concurs with their desire for additional air travel.

Getting bored on a long-haul flight ? Well it certainly seems to be worth choosing an airlines that offers you good inflight entertainment - 60 per cent of travellers citing this as the principal pastime to while away the hours onboard. Nearly 25 per cent manage to sleep - guess a large chunk of that maybe those up at the front on those luxurious flat beds to be found in Business and First class. Reading a book, magazine or newspaper is still quite a high ranker, with 11 per cent seeking solace in a good book. Just 5 per cent of air travellers use the flight as a time to work - if you have sat in a darkened business class cabin on a long haul flight, even 5 per cent seems more than one wouold normally see working!

Despite all the best efforts to maximise one`s earning of frequent flyer miles, only 21 per cent of those passengers polled say they manage to fully utilise their mileage awards in the required time. Not altogether surprising when you find out how hard it can be to find suitable award flights that are not blacked out for one reason or another. The airlines must take heart from the fact that 27 per cent of customers never use up all of their mileage awards - especially with current jet fuel prices!

It does still seem that we all however have to watch the ``purse-strings`` when we come to choosing an airline to fly with. Ticket price was the prime purchase driver for 61 per cent of passengers, whilst 23 per cent say that an airline`s reputation determines their choice of carrier.

Selected Passenger Poll results

Are you in favour of allowing mobile phone usage onboard flights ?

Yes

10%

No

84%

Not sure

6%

Will the recent increase in global airport & airline security result in you flying more, the same or less in the coming months ?

More

22%

Same

59%

Less

19%

Do standards of Inflight Entertainment influence your choice of airline on a medium or long haul flight ?

Yes

61%

No

20%

Not sure

19%

When travelling on business, how likely are you to purchase goods at an airport duty free shop ?

Very likely

19%

Quite likely

37%

Not likely

44%

Do you fully utilise your Frequent Flyer miles / awards in the necessary redemption periods ?

Always

21%

Sometimes

52%

Never

27%

Outside the meal service on a long haul flight, which of these is your most likely way to pass the time ?

Watch IFE

60%

Sleep

24%

Read

11%

Work

5%

Which of these matter most to you, when you select a flight ?

Ticket price

61%

Schedules

16%

Reputation

23%

Does the potential impact upon the environment from increasing air travel concern you ?

Yes

28%

No

54%

Not sure

18%

16th September 2006

Press and Media enquiries should be directed to:

Mr Peter Miller

Director Marketing - SKYTRAX

Email : miller@airlinequality.com