Gripes about fellow travellers
What annoys you most about your fellow travellers?
According to research from one travel company, it’s people who sneak oversized bags onto aircraft. Business travellers are particularly guilty. I’ve interviewed dozens of executives about their travel plans and most say they only take hand luggage. They hate waiting at the carousel and are scared of airlines losing their bags.
The study, from Carlson Wagonlit, found that 28 per cent of people object to fellow passengers taking big bags on to aircraft. Some 14 per cent are annoyed by people talking loudly on their mobiles, the same number that hates crying babies. Meanwhile, 5 per cent object most to check-in and security queues, and 4 per cent are wound up by finding their neighbour has paid less for their seat.
I find the last statistic quite curious: how do people know they’ve paid more than the person sitting next to them? When was the last time you got on a flight and said to your neighbour: ‘hi, my name’s x, how much did you pay for your seat?’ I can’t say I’ve ever had that conversation with anyone, perhaps because I usually put on my IPOD at the earliest convenient moment.
On the positive side, 56 per cent admit they sometimes extend their trip to take some holiday and seven in ten say they sometimes take their family on a business trip.
The combined business-family trip has already become a phenomenon in the United States, with hotel groups such as the Sheraton offering family deals at weekends in business hotels. Many also offer a babysitting service. Look out for the trend in Europe.
Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore
Monday, January 14th, 2008
