In order for your organization to grow and become profitable, you must travel often. It could be for striking business deals, meeting new clients, attending conferences, etc. One thing that frequently goes unnoticed is choosing the right airline size.
While employees have to travel regularly, it is also important that you, as a travel manager, ensure they have a good travel experience. When it comes to airlines, size matters. Each airline has advantages and disadvantages, from small regional carriers to global giants, which can impact the employees’ travel experience.
Understanding the size of airlines and the factors to consider when choosing the right size for business travel is a valuable investment of your time as a travel manager. This article aims to equip you with this knowledge, helping you make informed decisions that can enhance the travel experience for your employees.
What Does the Size of Airlines Exactly Mean?
Before delving into the specifics, it is important to understand what the ‘size of airlines’ means. In the airline industry, size can refer to various aspects such as fleet size, route network, and passenger capacity. However, for business travelers, the size generally refers to the seating capacity and onboarding amenities.
Fleet Size and Route Network
One of the first considerations when choosing an airline is its fleet size and route network. Large airlines typically have huge fleets and route networks, which allows them to offer a wide range of flight frequencies and destinations. This is very helpful for business travelers who want to make their plans flexible while flying to different destinations.
On the other hand, regional carriers may have smaller fleet sizes and routes as they focus on specific destinations. Although they may not provide as many options as the larger airlines, regional carriers offer personalized services and easy access from certain locations.
So, depending on the nature of work, employees may fly to larger airlines or regional carriers for a seamless travel experience.
Passenger Capacity and Comfort
Another important factor in choosing the right size of airlines is the passenger capacity and comfort airlines offer. Larger airlines with wide-body aircraft typically have more spacious cabins and amenities, such as premium seating options and onboard entertainment systems. Flying with a larger airline can enhance the overall travel experience for corporate travelers who value comfort and convenience.
However, larger airlines may have drawbacks, such as longer boarding times and crowded terminals. On the other hand, smaller airlines may offer more intimate cabin environments and quicker boarding processes. A smaller airline may better suit your corporate travel needs if you prioritize efficiency and convenience.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Cheapest Airlines in the USA
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Size of Airlines
Now that you’ve understood why airlines’ size is important, you should also choose based on your business travel needs. Mentioned below are some of the factors that you should consider while selecting the airlines’ size:
1. Frequency of Travel
How often do you travel for business? If your employees are frequent flyers, they may benefit from the extensive route networks and frequent flyer programs offered by larger airlines. These programs often provide perks such as priority boarding, lounge access, and upgraded seating options, making your travel experience more comfortable and rewarding.
2. Destination Diversity
Where do your business activities take you? If your organization requires employees to travel regularly for work, they will likely need access to a wide range of flights. Hence, choosing the right size of airlines with a global route network can provide flexibility and convenience to reach the destination directly.
3. Time Sensitivity
Are your travel plans time-sensitive? You should choose the right airlines for time-sensitive business trips where every minute counts. Choosing an airline with efficient operations and reliable service is very crucial. If the size of airlines is usually large, then they often have more resources and infrastructure to handle delays and disruptions. This ensures that employees reach their destination on time, every time.
4. Budget Constraints
What is your company’s corporate travel budget? If you want to go with larger airlines, they often offer higher prices. And if you have a tight budget, you should look for options with smaller airlines or low-cost carriers that offer competitive rates. You should choose them in such a way that they do not compromise on quality and reliability.
How Much Space is Under an Airplane Seat?
Although the airline’s size is necessary, it is also important to consider the space available onboard. This is especially crucial when employees are traveling with carry-on luggage. Most business travelers often think of the space available onboard, especially if they want to travel with carry-on luggage.
Most corporate travelers depend on carry-on bags to keep essential items close at hand during their journey. However, not all airlines offer this space under the seats for keeping luggage.
Hence, select one with a large space under the airplane seat when choosing an airline’s size. If the size of airlines is large, they generally offer a generous amount of storage space, allowing travelers to stow their carry-on bags conveniently. Alternatively, smaller airlines or regional carriers have limited space under the seats. Travelers may then have to store their luggage in the overhead bins.
Airlines with Under-Seat Luggage Space
- Alaska Airlines: The seat width is approximately 17 inches, and carry-on luggage should extend 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.
- Allegiant Airlines: Travelers can place one personal item under the seat before them. The item should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.
- American Airlines: According to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.
- Delta Airlines: Delta’s maximum carry-on size is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. No bag should exceed 45 linear inches combined.
- Frontier Airlines: Underseat items should be no larger than 14 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 8 inches long.
- Lufthansa: Lufthansa allows passengers to stow one personal item under the seat, such as a handbag or briefcase. The item must not exceed 11.8 inches by 15.7 inches by 3.9 inches.
The Right Size of Airlines can Change the Way You Travel
Choosing the right size of airlines for your corporate travel needs is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. We hope that we have answered all your questions ‘how much space is under an airplane seat?’, ‘what does the size of airlines exactly mean?’ and the factors to be considered while choosing an airline. Whether you prioritize comfort, convenience, or cost-effectiveness, there’s an airline out there that’s perfect for your next business trip.
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