The table presents the results of an airline survey conducted in 2002 among economy class business travellers, showing the most important in-flight features for male and female passengers in two age groups (25-45 and over 45).
Overall, seat or leg room was considered the most important feature by all groups, particularly older male passengers, while movies and in-flight entertainment were the least valued across the board. In addition, women generally placed more importance on attendant service and meals compared with men.
Looking first at females, 30 respondents aged 25-45 and 35 respondents aged over 45 selected seat or leg room as their top priority. Attendant service was also significant, chosen by 34 younger women and 30 older women. Meals and drinks ranked third, with 26 and 31 respondents respectively, while only a small number considered entertainment important (10 younger and 4 older females).
A similar pattern can be seen among males. Seat or leg room was again the top priority, especially for older men (46 respondents) compared with younger men (39). Meals and drinks were chosen by 20 younger males and 24 older males, whereas attendant service was less important for men than women. As with females, entertainment was the least preferred feature, selected by only 14 younger and 4 older males.