How Far Would Brits Go Low-Cost?

SINGAPORE, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Survey reveals almost three quarters of travellers would be happy to fly long haul with no frills

A study conducted by leading global travel search site Skyscanner reveals 74% of travellers would be willing to sacrifice the extras received with traditional airlines in order to travel long haul (more than four hours) with a budget carrier.

The survey of more than 1800 travellers found that of those willing to fly long haul low cost, 48% would forfeit their personal space and endure limited legroom for anything up to nine hours in order to reach their destination, while nearly one in three (30%) would be willing to sit out a bum breaking 10-hour flight (equivalent of a flight from Singapore to London). However 22% would only endure the basic levels of comfort offered by budget airlines for a relatively modest flying time of four to six hours.

The study also questioned travellers on the "extras" they would most need in order to persuade them to fly long haul low cost.

With most low cost airlines offering an average seat pitch of just 29 inches, this survey reveals that size really does matter with more than a third (35%) of travellers requiring an extra two inches of legroom in order to travel long haul with a no-frills airlines, and would prioritise legroom over in-flight entertainment (14%) or even in flight food and refreshments (9%) for the duration of the long haul journey. 18% wanted free hold baggage included.

Sam Baldwin, Travel Editor at Skyscanner said; "The results of this survey show there is a definite demand for low cost airlines to operate long haul routes - it appears people are more than happy to surrender some level of comfort in order to satisfy their taste for travel, as long as the price is right. In recent years, low cost airlines have started to introduce more mid haul routes, so it is not unfeasible that long haul routes could be next to be added."

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading travel search site providing instant online comparisons for millions of flights on over a thousand airlines, as well as hotels and car hire.