Airline perks aimed at the business traveler

While travel may be a necessary and demanding part of some professions, I don’t think the business traveler’s lifestyle is for me.  Constantly being on the road or in the air and living out of a suitcase/hotel isn’t for me.  However, for those corporate travelers out there, certain airlines are unveiling new perks targeted specifically for you.

Industry analysts predict an increase in corporate travel this year, and the airlines are taking note.  Since business travelers are considered to be the most profitable part of the travel sector, airlines are looking to attract this particular customer base through a variety of amenities.  For example, Delta and Continental Airlines are trying to make those international flights a bit more tolerable for passengers.  Delta will install flat-bed seats for its BusinessElite travelers on 90 aircraft, while Continental will add seats that recline 180 degrees in its BusinessFirst cabins.  Perhaps these additions will make the napping experience, essential for international travel, more comfortable and relaxing.

Hungry?  Continental is also revamping its menu for overseas flights.  How does broiled tenderloin with asiago cheese broth sound?  Or what about seafood-filled pastry blossoms?  I wonder how much these mouth-watering options will cost you.  According to the International Air Transport Association, “While premium passengers account for less than 10% of all international travel, the higher fares they pay bring in about 30% of the passenger revenue reaped from international trips by most carriers.”  The international travel group is expected to slowly expand throughout this year.

Some regional carriers are also adding more first-class seating.  American Airlines will add seats to its first-class cabins on 106 domestic planes which will allow two more passengers to sit in this section.  The comfort aspect is important for frequent business fliers since they are expected to arrive at their destination ready to work and/or present material.  I have heard from friends that “travel days” tend to be exhausting and draining, especially when this is a weekly occurrence.  I don’t know how they do it.

Given our current economy, some experts are wary about an immediate upswing in corporate travel.  An organization’s travel policy is dictated by necessity and budget. It is likely that the corporate travel trend will gradually improve and proceed with caution.

~ Photo by James Wang, used under a Creative Commons license.