Jessica
Think about your last flight trip. What did you like and dislike about the plane ride? How would you rate the amenities against what you expected? How friendly where the flight attendants? These are all important aspects when it comes to airplane travel. While aircraft manufacturers are constantly improving to better reach their customer?s needs, there is still some work to do.
Convenience in traveling
The internet has pushed us into a work of convenience. You want to purchase something? You can now have it delivered right to you. You don?t have the time to go grocery shopping? You can now order your groceries online and have them delivered to you. People expect convenience in all aspects of their lives, especially when it comes to travel. The airplane travel experience should include automatic checkin and checkout on easy to read IFE monitors. It should also include the ability to purchase and change tickets on the internet. Finally, another important and often overlooked convenience is the ability to order amenities or food items from a mobile device during travel.
Technology in traveling
In addition to convenience, travelers expect technology to be updated and at their fingertips. Advanced technology includes the ability to access Wifi, movie capabilities during travel, and mobile friendliness overall. The use of technology may be even more important than you think to travelers. In fact, according to TripAdvisor?s 2013 Air Travel Survey, 25% of respondents would choose one airline over another if it offered WiFi. Other important technological components include IFE monitors, advanced aircraft display systems, and in seat power settings. The in flight entertainment systems may also influence travelers airline decisions.
Customer service
Air travel is often much more expensive than other types of travel. When customers are paying so much for travel, they expect exceptional customer service. Air lines have been in the media lately with stories of negative customer service. A single negative publicized customer experience can severely affect an airline?s sales. Travelers simply have too many choices when it comes to travel. On average, every day more than 8 million people fly. Travelers will always have numerous choices.
Traveler policy
The thing that gets a lot of airline companies in trouble is their business policy. Having too strict of a business policy can turn customers away. Sometimes, it is best to give in terms of the customer benefiting to keep them as a future customer. In 2013 total, passenger numbers were 3.1 billion, surpassing the 3 billion mark for the first time ever. Instead of making it a business practice to find new customers, focus on satisfying the current ones. This is a better and more cost effective business plan.
Spend the money
Airlines that are currently stuck in previous technological and amenities times are doing so because they do not want to spend the money it takes to upgrade their current features. This, however, can be the difference between customer satisfaction and a customer never returning. Because so many customers today expect convenience, advanced technology including IFE monitors, and strong airplane displays, this is where the money needs to be spent. When you choose to make these upgrades, you are also choosing to reinvest in your business.
Billions of people use air travel as their primary mode of transportation during travel. Larger airlines that reinvest profits, focus on exceptional customer service, and implement the most advanced of technological devices take over much of the customer share. In order to be a successful airline in today?s times, it is necessary to focus on these business areas, including convenience, entertainment with IFE monitors, and consistent upgrades.
