Business travellers on long haul flights are demanding the option of lie-down seats in Economy class, and don’t mind paying extra for the privilege.
Results from an online poll conducted by Corporate Traveller surveying a total of 289 business travellers found that 69 percent were prepared to pay up to 20 per cent more for a lie-flat bed in Economy. Furthermore 26 percent would pay up to 50 percent more and an additional five per cent would pay double.
Corporate Traveller national marketing manager Chris Preston said the poll results showed the concept of a lie-flat bed in Economy class is well received by business travellers.
“The fact that almost 70 per cent of people were prepared to pay up to 20 per cent more for a lie-flat bed shows that passengers are looking for a more comfortable flying experience when they’re travelling long-haul – and they are prepared to pay little extra,” he said.
“If you consider the price of a return ticket between Melbourne and Los Angeles, according to our poll, the bulk of travellers would be prepared to pay up to about $205 more for a lie-flat bed in Economy Class and about $420 extra for a lie-flat bed on a flight between Sydney and London.
“Being able to stretch out your legs and lie down is the holy grail of flying for most people travelling in Economy class. I’m sure a lot of people flying long-haul international have walked past First and Business class on their way down to the back of the plane and yearned for the space and comfort of the premium seats.”
One of the first carriers to announce a flat-bed experience in Economy, is Air New Zealand, which in January this year unveiled a prototype for an Economy-class Skycouch.
