Airline business travelers consider Wi-Fi internet access to be a more important basic airport amenity than food, according to a new study from American Airlines and HP.
Over 47% of American business travelers consider Wi-Fi to be the most important amenity, beating out basic travel needs like food by nearly 30 points, the companies said.
More than 90% of travelers always have a notebook and phone on hand, 85% conduct work-related activities at the airport and nearly 53% conduct business on the flight. And 70.5% would use their notebook to connect to the internet if Wi-Fi were enabled in-flight.
“Business travelers expect connectivity and see it as a necessity, not a luxury,” said Carol Hess-Nickels, director of marketing for HP’s global notebook unit.
Business travelers also expect power outlets to be available both at the gate and on board the flight, the survey said.