HILLS BALFOUR WEEKLY REPORT – 3 August 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE UK TRAVEL INDUSTRY:

One third of Brits willing to pay more for flights free from children:  

In its latest survey, TripAdvisor has revealed that one of the biggest causes of negative flying experiences and frustration is badly behaved children. The survey of over 2,000 Britons, revealed that 22% of respondents claim having a child kicking the back of their seat is their biggest pet peeve. A further 22% said parents not controlling their children is their biggest frustration when flying. But the number one faux pas, according to 29% of Britons, are inconsiderate seat recliners. The survey also revealed 37% were so exasperated with unruly children on flights that would be willing to fork out higher fares for a child-free flight

Southend Airport is declared an official London Airport bringing the total to six:  

IATA has included the Essex-based airport within its classification of the metropolitan area of London. This means the airport is now officially known as London Southend to the rest of the world and means when travellers wanting to fly to London will now be offered Southend as an option. The Civil Aviation Authority has always classed the Essex airport as London but historically IATA has not. Southend will now be offered alongside Gatwick, Heathrow, City, Stansted and Luton.

Business travel sales are ahead of last year despite five bank holidays:  

According to the second quarterly 2012 transaction survey of bookings by the Guild of Travel Management Companies, business travel is