The Airline Perks That Matter Most to Travelers

Choosing which airline to fly can often make or break your travel experience from the moment you check in. According to a new study from Travelport, a well-known online travel retail platform, luggage allowance emerges as the top priority for most passengers when booking flights. But what other perks do travelers value most?

Luggage Allowance Tops the List

The study surveyed approximately 1,700 travelers who had flown at least once in the past 12 months. A striking 63 percent of respondents said the number of free carry-on or checked bags was the most crucial factor when deciding on a flight. This indicates that travelers prefer airlines that include baggage options in the cost of airfare, rather than opting for low-cost carriers that charge extra fees.

Flexible Policies and Free Seat Selection

Additionally, 50 percent of those surveyed highlighted flexible change and cancellation policies, along with free seat selection, as key decision-making factors. These options are highly valued because they provide travelers with peace of mind, especially in uncertain times when travel plans can change unexpectedly.

Other Considerations

While legroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and inflight entertainment are also important, they ranked lower than luggage allowance and flexible policies. This trend suggests that essential needs are more critical for passengers than additional conveniences. Notably, many low-cost carriers are adapting to these evolving preferences. For example, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines have eliminated change fees and launched new fare classes that include seat selection and baggage. Similarly, JetBlue has introduced free carry-on bags with basic economy tickets.

As the travel industry adapts to meet the needs of travelers, it is clear that certain perks, like luggage allowance and flexible policies, are non-negotiable for most passengers. With airlines like Southwest preparing to integrate assigned seating, changes are underway to improve the overall travel experience for everyone.