Travelers, who are spending increasingly longer wait times at the airport, would most appreciate the opportunity to check their e-mails, search the web and catch up with their social networking sites, according to a recent survey by GO Airport Express, a Chicago-based ground transportation provider.
The company, which provides airport shuttles to and from O’Hare and Midway airports, surveyed travelers nationwide about how they currently spend their time while waiting to board and what they wish was available to make this time more enjoyable.
Once they pass through security, 50 percent of the 789 respondents replied they spend their down time “reading.” Just “waiting by the gate” ranked number two with 35 percent of respondents checking that box. Next were surfing the Internet at 24 percent followed by eating and/or drinking and shopping at 21 percent and 14 percent respectively.
Participants were then asked what they activities or amenities they would engage in if offered by the airports. Answers varied from playing billiards to practicing yoga and having a nice place to work. But free WiFi topped the results, with close to 30 percent saying they wish it was available in all airports.
Once the computer is shut off, seven percent noted they would like to be able to get spa treatments, such as manicures and massages. Sleeping and playing slots or gaming also were top answers.
“I think the survey tells us that travelers want to use their time at the airport productively and appreciate amenities such as free WiFi and comfortable places to work,” says John McCarthy, president, GO Airport Express.
GO Airport Express, one of the oldest companies in Chicago, traces its founding to 1853 and the Parmelee Transportation Company, which provided a carriage service between Chicago’s railroad stations and the downtown hotels. The GO Group LLC, is the nation’s largest airport transportation provider, serving some 60 airports in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe and transporting more than 13 million passengers per year.