Travel trade weighs in on adult-only flights

The recent news that Corendon Airlines has started offering adult-only areas on its flights garnered widespread media attention. 

Passengers have long been crying out for this service.

Corendon’s route from Amsterdam to Curaçao in the Caribbean will have a dedicated section at the front of the plane – where those over 16-years-old can enjoy “peace and quiet.”

While this move is likely to be popular among many passengers, could this trend actually ‘take off’?

‘Adults only’ travel services exist in the hotel industry, on cruise lines and some tour operators focus on adult-only trips.

Henry Harteveldt from Atmosphere Research Group recommends travel business entering into this space do their research first.

“Do you have enough customers to make this endeavor worthwhile? Is this profitable? Will this favorably distinguish your brand?” he said.

Will you be able to sell and service this through all the channels you sell through – including travel agencies, if you use them? If the answers are favourable, a robust and comprehensive marketing strategy – and budget – will be critical.”

To be successful the idea will require investment from both sellers and B2B buyers of flights:

“Travel providers and intermediaries need to think carefully about how they would sell and market this new service,” says Janis Dzenis from price-comparison website WayAway.

“Currently, adult-only flights aren’t a typical search term for consumers – many wouldn’t know this is now a real option.”

“A PR or marketing campaign would be needed, alongside new technology that can help adult-only flights appear in the booking flow.”

Dzenis suggests OTAs and metasearch companies should consider adding a filter for this emerging service, and consider guiding people to it on their websites.

“Travel sellers and buyers of accommodation too should think about how to maximise this new trend,” adds Gareth Matthews from  Didatravel.

“This could be a great opportunity to sell the ultimate adult-only package holiday, for example.”

Haluk Kayhan, CEO at PrimeTravel said: “For face to face retail travel agents, this represents a unique opportunity to add value and personalise a trip.”

“They can judge whether or not a traveller is likely to be interested in an adult only cabin experience in a way that an online seller can’t do in the same way.” 

Related News Stories:  Arival     Discover America Mart/Seminar Emphasises Destination Diversity …     JAL set to fly with SkyTeam     Why Is Airbnb Pausing Experiences?     Tuolumne County, California launches new Craft Burger trail …     Delta responds after claim passenger died of overdose on flight …     MSC Magnifica floated out of dry dock     Fishing in Louisiana – “Sportsman’s Paradise”