No thanks: In-flight calls still unpopular

Business travellers have voted online check-in the best innovation of the decade, according to new research by the Business Travel and Meetings Show.

In-flight Wifi access, flat-bed seats, notebooks and the Eurostar rounded off the top five list, while respondents overwhelmingly voted against mid-air mobile phone calls.

Some 82 per cent of the 2,400 business travellers who took part in the survey said they had no desire whatsoever to hear fellow passengers nattering away on the telephone.

But they were far more enthusiastic about other recent technological advancements, singling out the expansion of online check-in as the best innovation of the noughties.

Respondents were also asked their opinions on customer service in the industry, with British Airways emerging as the hands-down winner for professionalism and courteousness among staff.

Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic also received praise in that field.

Commenting on the technological findings of the survery, show event director David Chapple said: “The noughties have been a hotbed of innovation when it comes to business travel.

“Innovations in technology, infrastructure and services have all contributed to make it easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable than ever for professionals to both travel and do business effectively.”

The findings also suggest that there is room for improvement, however, with respondents widely calling for faster and more efficient checks in security and immigration queues.

© Cheapflights Ltd (Creative Commons image: whiteafrican / Flickr)

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