Dubai: There are a lot of things travellers are willing to pay for just to ensure their travel is more convenient and enjoyable. More baggage allowance, better airline seats, priority check-ins are just a few of the extras that people would spend on.
Travel add-ons is a big business for airlines alone, and according to compiled figures, carriers worldwide were estimated to have made $67.4 billion (Dh247.5 billion) from add-ons, with the bulk coming from flyers paying extra for premium seat assignments, early boarding benefits, as well as food and beverages.
And according to the latest research, it looks like travellers from the UAE are quite among the world’s biggest spenders in this department.
The study from global travel technology company Sabre Corporation showed that people from UAE would be willing to drop an average of Dh370 on a few extras, to improve their travel experience or make their trip a little bit more "about me," whether they’re flying with an airline or staying at a hotel.
About a third (29 per cent) would likely add more than Dh500 on extras like seat upgrades, priority boarding, extra luggage, special or additional food and drinks, while about a quarter (25 per cent) would spend at least the same amount to improve their hotel stay, such as getting a spa treatment or enjoying in-hotel experience.
The willingness to spend a few dirhams more on travel add-ons is said to be higher among UAE travellers than those who are from other regions.
On average, people around the world would most likely add just Dh360 while those from Europe would be willing to add only Dh312 to personalise their trip.
The study looked at the behaviours motivations and expectations of business and leisure travellers from the UAE. It also found that about half of them are more likely to stay loyal to a service provider – either a hotel or airline – if their experience is a little more about themselves.
According to IdeaWorks Company and CarTrawler, airline ancillary revenue was estimated to reach $67.4 billion worldwide in 2016. More than half of the amount ($44.9 billion), represented revenue from optional services, such as onboard sales of food and beverages, checked baggage, premium seat assignments and early boarding benefits.
