Whether for business or leisure, all travel is personal. Especially when it comes to flying. Some like to board early, others late; some like the aisle seat, some like the window; some like to work, others to rest. And while we understand one size never fits all, we wanted to know, generally, what travelers have come to expect on their flights. That’s why we’re back with the third installment of our happy travelers' report, our annual deep dive into what actually makes travelers happy when they take to the skies.
TripIt released its annual . This year, TripIt analyzed more than a million flight ratings (1- to 5-star scale) over the course of a year to understand which factors most impact flyer happiness. They found that travelers bring more than just luggage with them when they fly. From departure season to ticket type, to flight duration, to amenities—when it comes to flyer happiness, it’s all about meeting (and beating) traveler expectations.
The study analyzed more than a million flight ratings to understand which factors most impact flyer happiness. The report reveals:
- How flight duration and seasonality affect flyer happiness
Ultra-long-haul flights (more than 12 hours) rank higher than all other durations; short-haul flights (less than three hours) come a close second.
- Top ranking international routes
The 17+ hour flight from DAL – SYD takes the top spot
- Top-rated airports (domestic airports and international airports)
Alternate airports are preferred for domestic flights
- The importance of each amenity to overall traveler happiness
Quality Wi-Fi and entertainment are not nearly as impactful as comfortable seating or good cabin service
- Reported happiness on discount carriers beat all other ticket types including first-class on legacy carriers and all ultra-low-cost carriers.
Tags: Happy travelers report