Gauging the Impact on Non-Refundable Ticket Restriction
In a recent survey, The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) gauged the impact of carriers' announcements regarding restrictions on the use of non-refundable tickets by polling our membership. The questions and responses are as follows:
- Do non-refundable tickets play an important role in your company's travel program?
97% Yes
- Approximately what percentage of your company's tickets issued in the past 12 months were non-refundable?
Average response 57%
- US Airways, American Airlines and Continental Airlines have all announced new restrictions on the use of non-refundable tickets
(as of September 3, 2002.) Which statement reflects your opinion?
51% - This is just the easiest way for the carriers to increase short-term revenue.
27% - This is just the first step to airfare reform.
6% - This is posturing by one carrier to qualify for a government loan guarantee, and hopeful speculation on the part of others.
16% - None of the above
- What will be your company's response to this issue?
61% - a) To switch to a low-cost carrier whenever possible
55% - b) To aggressively seek alternatives to business travel
39% - c) To switch to major carriers that have not adopted this policy
% reflected in a, b, & c - d) All of the above
46% - e) To voice my company's displeasure to the airline rep and give the carrier a period of time to reconsider
14% - f) No change
- Some sources have claimed that new non-refundable ticket policies effectively raise business fares 25 to 30 percent. How much of an increase do you predict this new policy will have on your travel budget?
Average response 25%
The results of this survey will be used to craft a broader association response to this industry issue.
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