New technologies, industry consolidations and ancillary fees are reshaping business travelers’ flying experiences. Here Jason Horstman, BCD Travel’s vice president of Supplier Relations, Americas, offers an expert’s list of what to expect up in the air.
1. Flights are full. In 2014, U.S. load factors will exceed 84%—the level we saw last year.
2. Many airlines are reconfiguring economy sections with slimmer seats, allowing for an additional economy row on many planes.
3. Consolidation is driving up prices, especially in the U.S., where most of the market now is controlled by four airlines: American, Delta, Southwest and United. Horstman’s advice: “To find savings, encourage employees to book further in advance and also to consolidate trips by booking multicity flights on one itinerary.”
4. A new U.S. security fee will take effect on July 1, adding from US$2.50 to $5.60 to each ticket.
5. More travelers are signing up for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Pre-Check program. That means Pre-Check lines will get longer for frequent fliers already enrolled in the program, Horstman warns.
6. By mid-2014, mobile boarding passes will surpass paper boarding passes. Horstman predicts this will speed up security and boarding wait times once travelers get the hang of the quick-swipe technology.
7. There’ll be more WiFi on international flights. Carriers have begun implementations, which are expected to wrap up by the end of 2015.
8. Travelers will be able to download movies and television programs they can view on their own laptops or tablets, and much of this streamed entertainment content will be available for 24 hours after arrival.
9. Elite-level fliers are gaining exclusive access to separate check-in, baggage drop off, ticketing desks and accelerated security and passport clearance. Meanwhile, non-elite travelers are buying their way to more comfort and convenience with priority boarding, seat and cabin upgrades, lounge access, Wi-Fi and additional onboard entertainment options, upgraded beverage choices and ground transportation upon arrival. While business travelers may welcome these creature comforts, companies will have to keep an eye on ancillary fees, Horstman said. Travel managers may need to adjust their policies and educate travelers about what’s acceptable.
10. Flying from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle will feel more luxurious, as some transcontinental U.S. flights offer premium services that feel more like international.
Learn more about air travel trends and how you can adapt your program to industry changes. Talk to your account manager about how BCD Travel can help, and check out Advito’s 2014 Industry Forecast, updated throughout the year.