Air Travel Experience Research Articles

An Evaluation and Analysis of Solutions to Challenges of Neurodivergent Individuals During Air Travel

For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), traveling via airplane can be an arduous process. Factors such as hostile architecture, unfamiliarity with surroundings, and the inability to properly accommodate or prepare individuals for air travel can play a role in causing or exacerbating the difficulties neurodivergent individuals face. By isolating the causes of certain issues that individuals with ASD encounter during the air travel process, a better understanding of how to best move forward with developing procedures, designs, and architecture to help accommodate individuals with ASD can be developed. The paper evaluates previously established methods for preparing and accommodating neurodivergent individuals for different parts of the air travel process. Published research papers were divided into groups based on whether they approached the problem from an architectural or procedural standpoint, and then methods within each category were evaluated to find the best overall solutions. Ultimately, using the ASPECTSS system proved to be a promising approach to mitigating the challenges from a design standpoint (especially as it pertained to acoustic design and sequencing of a space). From a procedural standpoint, the gamification approach proved to be extremely effective yet costly, while the POV-Video approach showed some promise in being superior to gamification from a resource-intensiveness standpoint. By combining these approaches, great strides could be made in improving the air travel experience for individuals with autism.

Factors influencing air passengers' intention to purchase voluntary carbon offsetting programs: The moderating role of environmental knowledge

BackgroundThis paper aims to investigate the factors that influence air passengers' intention to purchase the VCO program by applying the extended Theory of Planned Behavior. Furthermore, we examine how the influence of these factors on purchasing intention varies according to passengers' levels of environmental knowledge. MethodsWe surveyed 319 individuals in Korea who have had air travel experience within the past three years and are planning future air travel. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 25.0. To verify validity and reliability, we conducted confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis. Hypotheses were tested using a structural equation model, and the moderating effect of environmental knowledge was verified through multi-group analysis. FindingsOur findings revealed that personal norms, subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control influence customers' intentions to purchase VCO program, in that order. Additionally, a critical aspect of our research is the multigroup analysis that demonstrates how environmental knowledge moderates the effects of attitudes and personal norms on purchase intentions. This indicates that the level of environmental awareness significantly shapes the decision-making process for participating in VCO program. Our study provides valuable insights for developing effective communication strategies to promote VCO program, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches based on individuals’ environmental knowledge. OriginalityThis study is the first to analyze the intention to purchase voluntary carbon offset (VCO) program among Korean passengers. We conducted a comprehensive analysis based on the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and investigated how the relative influence of each factor varies depending on the level of environmental knowledge.

Investigating the challenges of air travel in the United States: a qualitative study of the lived experiences of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury or disorder.

Qualitative exploratory study. To understand the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injuries or disorders (SCI/D) who use wheelchairs during air travel in the United States (US), with a focus on the challenges and barriers to accessing this form of transportation. Wheelchair users with SCI/D living in the community in the US. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from six wheelchair users with SCI/D. Data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis. Experiences of wheelchair users during air travel clustered into three themes; experiences interacting with the airport, experiences interacting with the airplane, and experiences across all stages of air travel. Barriers to airport accessibility were minimal. Physical barriers to airplane accessibility and damage to wheelchairs occurred when interacting with the airplane and airline staff. Undertrained staff and a shift in responsibility to the passenger with a disability impacted all stages of the experience. Wheelchair users with SCI/D encounter challenges that can result in unsafe and inaccessible air travel within the US. Adverse consequences of air travel often impact the individual's independence and quality of life during and after the flight. Participants provided recommendations to improve the air travel experience for wheelchair users, including the ability to remain in one's wheelchair while onboard the airplane.

Multicriteria satisfaction analysis to analyse passenger perceptions of air travel service quality in Croatia

As people travel by air more often, they become more demanding in the services that they expect and the price that they are willing to pay, which can affect their loyalty to a given airline or airport. Air transport companies must gain and retain customers in order to remain competitive. Here we assessed passenger perceptions of air travel service quality using multicriteria satisfaction analysis (MUSA) that may provide deeper insights into consumer behaviour than previous studies. During a three-year period from 2016 to 2018, we assessed perceptions of air travellers using a survey that asked about air travel experiences within Croatia in the year prior to the year of the survey in order to avoid the influence of current feelings. Then we analysed survey responses using MUSA method and found that overall passenger satisfaction depended strongly on service at the departure airport, which many of our respondents judged to be inadequate. We have additionally fine-tuned the improvement priority list by incorporating passenger demand levels. Our results may help guide efforts at air transport companies to improve service quality and to better understand how passengers perceive their services.

Air Travel Experiences of Parents of Children with Invisible Disabilities: A Zimbabwean Perspective.

The existing literature on air travelers grappling with hidden disabilities is notably scarce. When not in view, disabilities are forgotten. This paper sheds light on diverse facets of air travel pertinent to children with invisible disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who travel with their parents. Navigating through airports can be particularly challenging for families of children with these conditions. This study seeks to delve into the airport experiences of such. The objective is to aid airport staff in crafting enhanced experiences tailored to this specific passenger segment. Considering ongoing efforts by airports to institute awareness on physical disability, it is crucial to address the unique challenges faced by those with hidden disabilities. While some airports globally have implemented procedures catering to the needs of those with cognitive impairments, these initiatives are yet to be implemented in Zimbabwean airports.

Elevating Air Travel Experience: A Strategic Approach to Enhance Customer Retention and Market Penetration for Airport Lounges in Chennai, India.

Elevating Air Travel Experience: A Strategic Approach to Enhance Customer Retention and Market Penetration for Airport Lounges in Chennai, India.

Evaluating The Impact of Mindfulness Service on Air Travel Experience and Satisfaction: A Mediation and Moderation Model

The concept of mindfulness is enhanced now a days over the world. It’s significant positive effects on person’s health not only valuable solution for people facing problems, like depression and anxiety but also makes a desire for society to enhance individual’s quality in many phases of life. To fulfilment of the objective of this study convenient sampling techniques is used to collected the data from the concerned respondents. To access and measurement of the model convergent validity, and discriminant validity is used and to measure the hypothesis path analysis is used. The results of it create positive travel experience which lead to higher customer satisfaction. Moreover, due to significant effects on travel anxiety and higher satisfaction with the service, customer more attract and loyal to airline. In order to take the large range of passengers the study was conducted as a survey which was taken at the international departure gate of Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore. Data was collected and compiled from passengers who were frequent flyers in different airlines. The study also focusses on the relationship between mindfulness and travel experience with airlines of their choice. The Service quality acting as a moderator between mindfulness mediation and its effects on travel experience to improve customer satisfaction. Mindfulness has a limited attention in business perspective but this study investigates mindfulness as a business model. Mindfulness service create a positive effect to satisfied airline passengers during different phases of flight to enhance positive travel experience. There for, the possible impact of flight anxiety is investigated for better understanding of mindfulness meditation effect with the help of airline service quality.

Enhancing Air Travel Experience: An Innovative Approach to Mitigate Flight Delays and Enhance Customer Satisfactio

Air travel is an essential mode of transportation in today's fast-paced world, and the number of air travelers is growing exponentially. Airports are the backbone of this mode of transportation, providing the necessary infrastructure and facilities to facilitate seamless travel. Despite advancements in technology, air travelers continue to face numerous challenges, such as flight delays, hidden charges, and navigating unfamiliar airports. This research paper aims to explore the development and implementation of a mobile application that addresses these issues and enhances travelers' overall experience. The objectives include reducing flight delays and missed flights, saving customers from hidden charges, improving the overall travel experience, and providing guidance in new airports.

Revitalizing the air transport in Thailand: the posterior pandemic

This academic article reviews the air transport in Thailand, specifically the situation and the outlook. The authors surveyed and collect the data from secondary sources both internally and internationally including the public sector annual report, private, and academicians. The situation has been predicted into three phase cases including; best case scenario, moderate, and worst-case scenario. Additionally, the service quality, the reskills and upskills for employee acquiring new skills, the organization transformation, and the technology adaptation are required. More importantly, the health safety plan and policies of air carriers shall be implemented and communicate to the public to assure their safe journey. Meanwhile, the adoption of technology could also minimize the repetitive work and human contact but it could provide new air travel experiences. The earliest the air transport industry was revitalized; it means the socioeconomic improvement.

Air transport and mood in younger generations: The role of travel significance and COVID-19

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between mood and air travel choices, considering the role of travel significance and the influence that COVID-19 may have on younger generations’ choices. Using a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design, a sample of 1,111 Italian respondents, belonging to younger generations is investigated. The data are analysed using a quantile regression with group effects considering attitudes towards COVID-19. The study demonstrates that there is a positive and significant relationship between mood and the number of journeys by air to destinations outside Europe, highlighting the positive moderating effect of the air travel experience and the negative moderating effect of COVID-19. This may have important implications for air transport managers interested in luring younger people to fly in the post-COVID19 era.

‘Sick with stress’: perspectives on airport travel from persons living with dementia and their travel companions

Persons living with dementia continue to desire and need air travel. This study gives voice to the current lived experiences of persons with dementia and their caregiving travel companions using U.S. airports. Forty-eight persons living with dementia and 176 travel companions shared information about themselves and their airport experiences through a web-survey. Results identified common challenges and ways in which U.S. airports could be improved to better serve persons living with dementia and their travel companions. Anxiety, understanding signs and announcements, and getting lost or separated were primary travel concerns. Participants detailed themes of frustration with security and locating family restrooms or quiet spaces. Many are unaware of the services available to assist travelers. Among other recommendations, participants suggested staff training on hidden disabilities to improve air travel experiences. Results inform ongoing efforts to develop dementia-friendly airports and support continuing independence and quality of life. Points of interest This study surveyed the air travel experiences of persons living with dementia and their travel companions to understand how going through the airport can be made more comfortable for them. Primary concerns voiced by the participants were anxiety and frustration at security, trouble finding their way around the airport, and not enough quiet spaces or family bathrooms. Participants shared that better staff training, hidden disability badges, and more wheelchair or electric cart services could help travelers like them and other persons living with disabilities. Airport updates that reduce noise and add more family bathrooms can make airport travel better for persons living with dementia and their travel companions. This paper shows how persons living with dementia and their travel companions’ could be more comfortable in public spaces like airports if we use their experiences and opinions to make improvements.

The Effects of the In-Flight Safety Information Characteristics on the Safety Behavioral Intention of Airline Passengers

This research aims to explore the effects that In-flight Safety Information Characteristics of airlines have on attitude, customer satisfaction, customer trust, and safety behavioral intentions. A total of 477 passengers with air travel experience were surveyed and responses were analyzed using a structural equation model. Among four in-flight safety information characteristics, reliability, informative, utility turned out to have positive effects on attitude, interactivity are not significant antecedents of attitude. In turn, Attitude had a positive effect on customer satisfaction, customer trust, and safety behavioral intentions. It is believed that this research can serve as a starting point for future studies on the diverse servicescapes of airport facilities. It is believed that this research can serve as an important basic data and strategy for securing passenger safety and efficient measures for airlines’ in-flight safety information operation.

Air travel experiences of autistic children/young people

Despite the positive association between tourism and quality of life among the general population, a range of challenges has been found to prevent people with disabilities from participating in tourism. Participation in tourism is lower among families with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder than among comparable families. Although travelling by airplane has been identified as a particular challenge for these families, few studies investigating air travel experiences have been published. The present study surveyed 97 parents of autistic young people about their experiences of air travel. Participants identified stressors and enablers relevant to these experiences. In particular periods of waiting, crowds, and sensory stimuli emerged as significant stressors across every stage of the air travel process. These factors are discussed in the context of developing effective interventions to improve air travel experiences among autistic young people and their families. Building on these findings will allow researchers to better understand these experiences, better support families, and better address accessibility issues in tourism. Enhancing air travel experiences could allow a cohort of autistic people and their families to enjoy the improved quality of life outcomes that have been reported by tourists in the general population and increase family participation more broadly. A focus on improving customer experience could also entice new customers to air travel and encourage higher frequency of trips for returning customers.

A Study on Passengers’ Perception of Aviation Safety Information and SAFETY Behavioral Intention

Purpose: For safety purpose, the airline has a safety education and management system for flight crew and cabin crew so that they can accurately understand and deliver how to deal with emergency situations and how to use emergency equipment. In order to ensure the safety of passengers in unexpected emergencies, passengers must also familiarize themselves with safety information and emergency escape tips. In response, this study applied planning behavior theory to explore the impact relationship between passengers perception of aviation safety information on aviation safety behavioral intentions. Method: This study conducted an online survey of people with less than a year of air travel experience and collected 352 copies. The final 341 copies of the data, except for 11 copies of the unfaithful answer sheet, were used for empirical analysis and hypothesis verification through statistical programs in SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. Results: Perceptions of aviation safety information have significant implications for aviation safety attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control. This study shows that perceptions of aviation safety information have a significant positive relationship with aviation safety behavioral intention. On the other hand, the relationship between aviation safety subjective norms and aviation safety behavioral intention does not have significant positive influence. Conclusion: The lack of awareness of aviation safety information by passengers in the event of an aircraft accident may lead to more casualties due to the inability to respond effectively to emergencies. This study investigates the relationship between perception, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and behavioral intentions of aviation safety. Therefore, to raise perception of aviation safety information, it is necessary to inform the importance of being directly connected to individual lives and to study that passengers can judge and control themselves through aviation safety education and information provision.

Pre-air travel health-seeking behaviour, prevalence of barotitis media, its knowledge and associated factors among recently travelled patients in Kano, Nigeria.

Existing evidence suggests that barotitis media (BM) is common among air travellers, and it has the potential to cause severe discomfort and sometimes permanent hearing and balance deficits. It has not been studied in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pre-air travel health-seeking behaviour, prevalence of BM, knowledge of BM and its associated factors among a cohort of outpatients with a history of recent air travel in Kano, Nigeria. This questionnaire-based survey involved 97 participants systematically and proportionately selected from adult patients or caregivers of children with recent air travel history attending two outpatients clinics over 7 weeks. Information on biodata, pre-air travel advice-seeking behaviours, air travel experience and BM knowledge were obtained. Data were analysed using the descriptive statistical methods, Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and odds ratio (OR). Most participants were male (54.6%) with tertiary education (87.6%); the prevalence of BM was 44.3% (43/97). Only 2.1% (2/97) had ever sought pre-air travel advice from a doctor; 83.5% (81/97) had heard of BM before; 42% had adequate knowledge of BM. Employment status (Fisher's exact, P = 0.001), clinic at recruitment (Fisher's exact, P = 0.00008), duration of last flight (Fisher's exact, P = 0.0001) and persistent ear-pain after landing (Fisher's exact, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with participants' knowledge of BM. Persistent ear-pain after landing was the predictor of BM knowledge (OR = 0.04, 95% confidence interval [0.002-0.67], P = 0.025). The BM knowledge level of this cohort suggests the need for further studies to ascertain the complete picture and justify improved pretravel education of air travellers in our setting.

Mind, service quality, relationship with airlines

ABSTRACT The study examines the relationships between passengers’ mindfulness, airline service quality, customer relationship quality and loyalty with the airlines of their choice. Service quality was modelled as a moderator between mindfulness and the proposed criterion variables. To capture a wide range of passengers, the study conducted a survey that was undertaken at departure gates within a European airport. Data were collected from passengers who have air travel experiences in both low-cost carriers and flagship airlines. The results show that mindfulness is significantly and positively related to three indicators of relationship quality, namely commitment, satisfaction and trust in the case of low-cost carriers. However, commitment and trust are not significantly related to passengers’ loyalty with low-cost air carriers. In the case of flagship airlines, both satisfaction and commitment have a significant influence on customer loyalty whereas trust does not. This study provides a fresh look at relationship quality and customer loyalty from an individual’s mental state in relation to the service, rather than being assessed on the service offered. This study contributes to the literature by approaching customer loyalty from a non-organizational perspective. The implications are highlighted for airline marketers to conclude the paper.

Air Travel Concerns and Complaints of Persons Living With Dementia and Their Travel Companions

Air travel is increasingly accessible and rising numbers of older adults choose to fly. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is also expected to increase due to advances in longevity and the aging Baby Boomer population. An ADRD diagnosis does not necessarily end the desire to travel for leisure, and air travel may be necessary for family and/or care reasons. Taken together, more persons living with ADRD are expected to use air travel. This is concerning since adverse outcomes, including confusion and delirium, can be exacerbated by unfamiliar environments, such as airports and in-flight situations. Yet there is little research on air travel with this population. The current study seeks to 1) understand air travel experiences, issues, and needs of persons living with ADRD and their travel companions; and 2) identify facilitators and barriers to safe and comfortable air travel for persons living with ADRD. Persons living with ADRD (n=49)and ADRD travel companions (n=176) provided information on their air travel experiences through a nationally distributed web-survey. They traveled for family visits (80.0%) and leisure (38.0%). Both persons living with ADRD and travel companions indicated anxiety (50% and 60.7%, respectively), difficulty understanding announcements and signage (39.1%, 55.2%) and getting lost or separated (37.5%, 53.2%) as primary travel concerns. Qualitative comments identified themes of frustration with locating family restrooms and quiet spaces. Results from this study will inform ongoing efforts to develop dementia-friendly airports and improve older adult travel experiences, independence, and quality of life.

Strategic Decisions for Sustainable Management at Significant Tourist Sites

This research explores how tourist site management and human attitudes and behaviours can help decrease the pressure of tourism on the environment. Estimates show that, together with ancillary sectors, the tourism industry is expected to contribute approximately 6.5 gigatons of greenhouse gases by 2025. These emissions are primarily a result of tourists favouring air travel and luxury experiences that require more energy outputs. Additionally, tourism continues to grow and has become a routine activity for the middle class who travel more regularly on an annual basis. With growing middle classes in many developing countries, the number of tourists who will be able to afford recreational travel is estimated to increase exponentially. The pressures and demands of increasing tourist numbers can strain vulnerable natural sites. These predictions show that changes within the tourism industry fabric are necessary. Against this backdrop, this research employs a combined methodology. A survey methodology was employed to explore tourist attitudes towards tourism sites and their behaviours and decision making with a top-down and bottom-up approach. Additionally, an interview methodology of tourism field experts was employed to investigate the attitudes of the industry and how consumer behaviours may be influenced. Findings from the survey and interview discussions were employed to inform four managerial aspects. First, the ticket price of the tourist experience should be proportional to the value proposition of the experience. Second, a government-led framework could guide businesses towards sustainable management and educate their tourists on greener practices. Third, businesses could integrate sustainability issues into their marketing and advertising to create awareness and ensure the longevity of the site. Lastly, tourism bodies and businesses could increase their partnerships with local custodians to add cultural value and understand the visitor experience.

Negative word of mouth about foreign lands: Dimensions of the shared discomforts narrated in travel blogs

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to report international tourists’ negative accounts of their visits to Sichuan, an emerging international tourist destination in the southwest of China and the hometown of Giant Pandas. Using the Interpretative Netnography Approach, the study employs the Atlas.ti and NVivo to analyze blog narratives collected from the TravelPod, one of the first website to offer free service to users to create travel blogs. The results indicate that unpleasant encounters with squat toilet became the targets of frequent complaints while the richest accounts were centered on tough and stuffy long bus ride threatened by potential risk of bad road, uncomfortable train tour, and unpleasant air travel experiences. This study recognizes that international travelers’ negative accounts on foreign lands as indicated in travel blogs have been produced in the context of cultural politics, filters and barriers, post-colonialism, and narrative turn, as well as personal point of reference and travelers’ bias. The findings will deepen the current understanding of negative word of mouth narrated in travel blogs so as to respond accordingly and prevent its undesirable consequences to destination image throughout postmodern consumer culture in the economic and cultural globalized world.

국내·외 항공사 객실승무원의 이미지 유형 비교 연구 : Q-방법론적 접근

This study was conducted to classify the types of cabin crew images for airlines in Korea and foreign country using Q-methodology. 29 Q-statements were sampled from previous researches and in-depth interviews with the professors who work in the department of airline service at university. These Q-statements were sorted by 30 P-samples who have air travel experience. The results showed that 2 types of cabin crew images are classified for both airlines in Korea and foreign country. The first type of cabin crew images for airlines in Korea was “friendly and cheerful looks” and the other one was “polite and considerate attitudes”. Next the first type of Cabin Crew Images for foreign airlines was “polite and considerate attitudes” and the second one was “tall and physical strength”. According to the results of this study the type of “polite and considerate attitudes" was mutually perceived both airlines in Korea and foreign country. On the other hand the significant differences between two kinds of airlines found in the subjective structure of cabin crew images. And practical implications and future research directions were also discussed.