-- Expedia’s 2015 Low-Cost Carrier Airline Index reveals attitudes of Asia-Pacific travelers toward budget airlines; Asia-Pacific travelers are more likely to give up bathroom privileges in favor of carrying more luggage
Singapore, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Global Tour & Transport team at Expedia Group released the latest findings from the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Airline Index survey. Conducted by Northstar, the survey examined attitudes of Asia-Pacific travelers toward budget airlines. The survey found that, driven by the growth of low-cost carriers, the number of flights in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to increase by 9.5% year-on-year as of March 2015*, and 94% of air travelers are willing to forgo certain amenities to save money — good news for those travelers.
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The Expedia 2015 Asia-Pacific LCC Airline Index polled approximately 3,200 travelers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan, China, further expanding on the Expedia 2014 Western European LCC Airline Index. The 2014 European index explored the trade-off between ticket prices and essential services. The 2015 survey examined perceptions of customer service and included amenities for both low-cost and traditional carriers, and asked travelers what they would be most willing to give up to save money. What are the most likely factors travelers consider when choosing a low-cost carrier? How do they plan to use the money they save? The survey found that the most decisive factor in choosing an airline is its safety record.
Compared to women, men are slightly more willing to forgo certain amenities such as pillows and blankets, free checked baggage, and bathroom privileges to save on airfare. Beyond gender differences, younger air travelers (under 35) believe legroom and carry-on luggage are the most worthwhile to give up, while travelers over 55 are more willing to forgo meal service to save money.
No need for movies
More than half (56%) of Asia-Pacific travelers are willing to give up in-flight entertainment to save money, followed by meal service (49%) and pillows and blankets (48%). Asia-Pacific travelers are least willing to forgo legroom, bathroom privileges, and carry-on luggage — three key amenities — to save money.