Recent trends have shown that travelers are prioritizing the type of aircraft before booking their flights, in addition to factors such as airfare, departure times, and flight length. A survey conducted by the digital analytics company Quantum Metric revealed that one in five travelers are now conducting more research into the plane they will be flying on, while 22% are limiting air travel for the rest of the year. This shift in priorities is a response to the increasing focus on aircraft safety and reliability brought about by recent news about aircraft and airlines.
Changing Behavior in Booking Flights
According to the survey, 55% of travelers have changed the way they book flights due to recent headlines about aircraft safety issues. While the survey did not directly mention Boeing, the company has been at the forefront of media coverage regarding quality control and business practices. This increased scrutiny has led passengers to pay more attention to the type of aircraft they will be flying on, with many opting to avoid Boeing aircraft altogether. However, this decision may not necessarily guarantee a safer flight, as aircraft safety standards are thorough regardless of the manufacturer.
Despite recent concerns about aircraft safety, statistics show that aviation safety is improving over the years. A study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management revealed that the risk of dying on a commercial flight globally has significantly decreased over the past few decades. Factors contributing to this improvement include technological advances in collision avoidance systems, extensive pilot training, and the efforts of regulatory bodies like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
The study also highlighted geographical disparities in flight safety, dividing countries into three tiers based on their safety records. Tier 1 and Tier 2 countries, including the United States and parts of Europe, have significantly lower fatality risks compared to Tier 3 countries. Despite these differences, fatalities per boarding have decreased across all tiers in recent years, indicating an overall improvement in global flight safety standards.
Impact on Passenger Behavior
The increasing focus on aircraft safety has led to changes in passenger behavior, with some travelers actively avoiding Boeing-manufactured aircraft or specific models like the 737 Max. Platforms like Kayak and Alternative Airlines now offer the option to filter flights by aircraft type, allowing passengers to make more informed decisions about their travel plans. However, switching airlines or avoiding certain aircraft models may not always be practical, especially for frequent travelers.
Despite efforts to prioritize aircraft safety, unforeseen circumstances can still impact passenger experiences. The example of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which crashed in March 2019, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel. Even with careful planning, passengers may still find themselves on flights with aircraft they were hoping to avoid. This highlights the complexities of navigating the aviation industry as a passenger concerned about safety.
The increasing emphasis on researching aircraft before booking flights reflects a growing awareness of the importance of aircraft safety and reliability among passengers. While advancements in aviation technology and safety regulations have significantly improved the overall safety of commercial flights, passenger preferences and concerns continue to shape the way people approach air travel. As travelers seek to make more informed choices about their flights, airlines and aircraft manufacturers must continue to prioritize safety and transparency to maintain customer trust and confidence in the industry.