Malaysians want options, comfort and speed

Malaysia – Synovate’s recent survey revealed airline companies should consider allowing seating options – even if it means imposing extra charges – especially when it comes to Malaysian passengers.

Two thirds of the 1,000 Malaysians surveyed by the company recently, said they would prefer an option which allowed them to change seats should they be unhappy.

“Nearly one third (39%) said they were willing to pay extra for the seat of their choice,” said Steve Murphy, managing director, Synovate Malaysia.

Some 67% of the 1,000 respondents confirmed they have a preference when choosing a seat while 36% confirmed they were fussy about seats and a bad one could ruin their experience.

Murphy noted: “It’s hardly surprising that window seats (57%) were more popular than aisle seats (5%).”

The survey found that more than half the respondents felt they should have the right to choose who they sit next to while 73% recommended that airline companies set aside seats for privileged customers.

Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed agreed that the best thing about air travel was its speed and convenience while 14% said mobile phone usage should be allowed while in air.

Murphy said Malaysians are practical in air travel, choosing speed and convenience above all other considerations.

“Apart from saving time, we also discovered that Malaysians are motivated by being served on board (13%), and having time to themselves without mobile phones, laptops and companions (4%).

“Interestingly enough, only 4% said they like looking at attractive flight attendants,” Murphy quipped, adding that like the rest of the other world markets, people would re-evaluate their travel plans in light of rising fuel prices and air travel costs.

Some 21% said they would travel less this year while 14% said they would travel closer to home and 13% said they would consider alternative transportation modes instead of flying.

However, Malaysians have been named bargain hunters as a third of the statistics show they would not curtail travel plans but opt for cheaper flights instead.

Synovate’s survey explored consumer attitudes, preferences and motivations about air travel habits among Malaysians across the income board and aged between 15 and 64.