Putting The "Friendly" Back In The "Friendly Skies"

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Jul 2007 11:59 PM

I've flown in business class several times, though none of the trips were business related. They were all overseas flights and I don't remember a single time when I was not surrounded by suits. Which is not to say I was surrounded by a single gender, it's just that the passengers I was sharing cabin space with were serious travelers and flying for a reason besides visiting their Aunt Sue in Lisbon.

They are the individuals I thought of when I received a letter from United (I'm a part of their frequent flier program) announcing that they recently revamped their international business class cabin. The transformation includes the introduction of new cushier seats that recline into beds, larger personal TVs, and noise-eliminating headphones. The new amenities will debut shortly after Labor Day (typically when the airlines sees a drop in family travel and an increase in their repeat business passengers.)

The upgrades don't come as a surprise to me considering some business travelers will pay up to $10,000 for an international business class ticket (in most cases the ticket is paid for by their employers). In addition to United, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also recently announced they too would be upgrading their business class service with such accommodations as wider bed-like seats, expanded personal in-flight entertainment and gourmet meals. Other carriers are also going the extra step to cater to business class passengers. For example, Singapore Airlines sends in an attendant to clean the business class bathroom each time a passenger uses it.

It's no secret international routes are an important source of revenue for carriers. Bottom line: it's where the profits are. According to a recent customer survey by United, 36% of the airline industry's revenue comes from 8% of its customers. And they aren't talking about the family of six who flies from Indiana to Disneyland once a year.

Related Articles:

Good News For Fliers---Aeroclinics and Luxury Parking

Airline Delays---Will This Make A Difference?

The Dreaded Middle Seat

Airline Cheap Seats---The Catch

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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