Think you’re different to every other traveller? Well this study shows you’re not.
That’s right, a new study conducted by British Airways has determined that overall, Aussie travellers are creatures of habit.
Most stick to the same routine every time they travel – from what they eat to when they head to the gate.
The study was conducted in January 2018 with 1,000 Aussies.
It revealed that 44 per cent gorge on meals, snacks and drinks as soon as they’re served on board, so everything is finished when the flight attendant comes around to collect the rubbish, while almost half save extra food for later.
Sixty-two per cent of respondents admitted they often consume food and drink in the air that they wouldn’t usually have on the ground.
Aussies are more likely to eat nuts, pretzels, cheese and biscuits, sweets and crisps on a plane than they would on the ground. Holiday diets are a thing, guys.
Nicole Backo, British Airways’ regional general manager, South West Pacific, confirmed that our tastebuds change in the air.
“During a flight, our bodies are subjected to a number of environmental factors, including reduced oxygen levels, atmospheric pressure changes and low humidity, all of which can affect our tastebuds.
“It is thought that our ability to taste can be reduced by as much as 30 per cent at altitude, therefore it makes sense that we might crave a few foods that we wouldn’t otherwise choose when we’re on the ground,” he said.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, one in 10 Australians also always indulge in a ‘pre-holiday drink’ after heading through security – regardless of the time. It’s five-o’clock somewhere, right?
Almost half of Aussie travellers head to the gate as soon as it is announced, while 47 per cent hold back to miss the rush without leaving it until the last minute.
A daring four per cent admit they won’t make a move to the gate until the ‘final call’ message is flashing up on screens. Truly living on the edge there.travel
Backo added that generally, people have routines in place when flying to feel more in control.
“Travelling, by its very nature, requires people to relinquish an element of personal control, so we know it helps people to have routines in place – whether it’s being that one person in charge of the passports, getting to the airport early or being ready at the gate as soon as the flight is called,” he said.
“These habits are an important part of the holiday ritual and they don’t stop at the airport.”
“In-flight habits such as keeping a phone and money in a pocket or food choices on board are all part of it too, which is why our investment in our long-haul catering has been receiving positive feedback from our customers.
“Our enhanced catering in the World Traveller economy class responds to all those needs, from the travellers who want to try new foods to those who like to squirrel snacks away for later.” Backo added.
In light of more travellers wanting to save food for later British Airways have re-vamped their catering – offering different menus for different regions and including more food on longer flights.
“Our customers have also told us they want to be able to save some items for later in the flight, so we’ve replaced the water cup with a bottle of Highland Spring on the first meal, and added snack boxes on our longest flights.
“We’re also offering Magnum ice-creams on daylight flights from London and a Tuck Box on inbound and overnight flights,” Backo said.
To find out what kind of traveller you are, take the quiz.
