CHICAGO, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Between PDAs, cell phones, laptop computers and Wi-Fi, it's nearly impossible for business travelers to be unreachable -- except, of course, when they're flying. While that may soon change as more airlines test Wi-Fi and other communication technologies, Orbitz For Business (http://www.orbitzforbusiness.com) found in its January survey that a majority (56 percent) of business travelers don't feel the need or desire to be connected at 30,000 feet.
When asked if they would take less convenient or more costly flights in order to have Wi-Fi service, 56 percent of business travelers said it is not a necessity, while 36 percent say they would try to get a flight with Wi-Fi available, but wouldn't be bothered if it weren't. The remaining eight percent feel wireless service is very important, and would take less convenient or more expensive flights in order to have access.
Wi-Fi service on airplanes is coming soon, however the issue of cell phone usage on commercial airlines faces numerous challenges and safety concerns from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If never approved, it won't bother most travelers who cherish quiet time on planes, as 57 percent of business travelers surveyed oppose cell phone usage in-flight.
"Technological advances have made business travelers today more productive than ever before," said Dean Sivley, senior vice president, COO and general manager, Orbitz for Business. "While there are those who use flight time to catch up on work, and Wi-Fi will enhance that ability, there are also many who view it as valuable downtime. If ever endorsed, many travelers feel it would be hard to rest with the person next to them talking on a cell phone."
Courtesy is Common in the Business Community
Cell phones have become commonplace for business travelers almost everywhere else, including stores, restaurants, sidewalks and public transportation. Though there are individuals who at times appear oblivious to their surroundings, 84 percent of business travelers surveyed say they try to be as quiet as possible when on a call, and are bothered by those who don't do likewise. Only four percent of those surveyed openly admit they will do whatever they need to while working and traveling, regardless of how it affects others. Twelve percent of respondents say they try to use travel time to relax and take their mind off of work rather than talk on the phone.
Why-fi?
With in-flight Wi-Fi expected to be available soon, the inevitable question is whether business travelers will actually use it for business or pleasure. The Orbitz for Business survey found 59 percent of business travelers say they would use the service equally for both business and pleasure, while 21 percent claim they would use it solely for business. Twenty percent of travelers responded that it would be used exclusively for pleasure.
The Orbitz for Business Corporate Traveler Survey was conducted online using a MarketTools panel of 640 adults ages 18-65 who have traveled for business this year. MarketTools is a market research firm that directly manages a nationally-representative online panel of more than 2.5 million individuals, with a global network extending to more than eight million consumers worldwide.
About Orbitz for Business
Orbitz for Business (http://www.orbitzforbusiness.com) is the corporate travel brand of Orbitz Worldwide. Orbitz for Business serves over 2,000 corporate customers and more than a million business travelers. Launched in 2002, Orbitz for Business was one of the first full-service managed business travel programs offered by an online agency. Orbitz for Business includes a portfolio of business travel products for small to large companies. Its products include self-managed services for small business, managed travel services with fulfillment and service support and international capabilities.
About Orbitz Worldwide
Orbitz Worldwide is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com), CheapTickets (http://www.cheaptickets.com), ebookers (http://www.ebookers.com), HotelClub (http://www.hotelclub.com), RatesToGo (http://www.ratestogo.com), the Away Network (http://www.away.com) and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business (http://www.orbitzforbusiness.com). For more information, visit the Orbitz Worldwide Investor Relations website at http://www.orbitz-ir.com.
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