Ah, the Air France salons, the plane with large incredibly reclining armchairs, intimacy, extra-laid screens, the shipments at the last minute without having to queue, without forgetting the small dishes concocted by starred chefs served in flight and many other privileges still … Are you in this big start for school holidays? No, huh? Then return to earth.
If in flight, everyone is on the same plane, not everyone does the same trip. For some – those who travel to premium class, that is to say in business class and first class, and more and more in Premium Economy – the duration of the flight seems much shorter, even relaxing. Yes but here it is, that has a cost: moving from eco class to business generally sees the price of the ticket multiplied by four or five, and according to the class, by ten …
“Supporting international solidarity”
These passengers, France intends to tax them again, knowing that plane tickets have already seen the Chirac tax multiplied by three last March. France now thinks, with seven other countries – Kenya, Spain, Benin, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Barbados and Antigua -et -Barbuda – Strengthen the imposition of the air sector with the establishment “of a specific tax on business class tickets and private jets”.
Objective according to a press release from the Elysée: “Improve the mobilization of national revenue from developing countries and support international solidarity”, in particular with regard to “adaptation to climate change”.
Business is business
But to tax who, in fact? If we had to establish the robot portrait of a traveler in premium class, that’s what it would give, even if it remains approximate. It all depends on the companies chosen and the various classes they offer, (business, individual cabin with shower, etc.). But also of the type of flight carried out, (long distance, very long distance, intra-Europe), countries of destinations and even of the season (there are fewer businessmen in the aircraft in summer) recently noted Air France. In addition, there are “drawers” pricing which are generalized in all airlines, such as Economy Comfort at Air France. It offers various services with supplements that can make the border between Economic and Premium vague, and therefore the profile of its customers.
But let’s say that the heart of a traditional target of premium classes, especially in business class, is undoubtedly travelers … business. Often sent by their business for long-haul flights, they are looking for comfort to work or rest, especially if they must be operational upon arrival. They travel frequently, often with very advantageous loyalty programs. There are also executives, managers, consultants, whose ticket is often facilitated by higher budgets or company agreements with companies. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), a majority (81 %) declares that business trips are useful to achieve their objectives. Note that first -class passengers are two thirds of men and often well -packed thirties (38 % against 31 % for others), according to Yougov. And then of course, there are celebrities: athletes, artists, media personalities, influencers. Their profile, you know it.
Our file on transport
Times are changing, and according to the GBTA, the premium class is increasingly welcoming wealthy travelers, a clientele attracted by luxurious experience, especially on the most premium companies like Emirates or Singapore Airlines. New too, wealthy families who go on vacation. Some choose premium Economy for more space and comfort, especially on very long flights (to the United States, Asia). Then come the clever little ones, the users of Miles.
And then there are the lucky ones: the upgraded people. This can happen in case of overbooking or to reward the loyalty of a customer. Some companies outclass passengers in exchange for a small supplement. But is not super lucky who wants: more often than not, they are members of high -level loyalty programs to whom luck smiles.
