By Keith L. Alexander
Tuesday, January 31, 2006

A new survey of 1,001 fliers suggests that many would pay a little extra for additional perks, such as extra frequent-flier miles, more overhead bin space and the ability to sit in a child-free section of the plane.

The report found that 31 percent of respondents said they were willing to pay more for guaranteed overhead storage, and 40 percent would pay extra to choose the type of movie played on their seatback movie screen.

Also, respondents said they would be willing to pay extra for an airline ticket if it allowed them to fly with an additional carry-on bag, or secured them unlimited alcohol or extra frequent-flier miles.

The survey, released Friday, was sponsored by Leflein Associates and Amadeus, a travel company that provides distribution technology to airlines and travel agencies. In the online survey conducted in November, Amadeus tried to get a better understanding of the nation's frequent fliers, how they purchase their tickets and what they are willing to pay extra for. The report coincidentally comes at a time when some airlines have begun charging for various amenities, such as meals, soda, pillows and blankets.

Chris Brown, Amadeus's vice president of business development, said the survey's most surprising finding was that airline passengers are more interested in the types of perks they could buy rather than how cheap an airline ticket is. For example, Brown found that travelers are more likely to book a flight on an airline Web site if they are rewarded with extra frequent-flier miles, the ability to pick their own seat and electronic check-in.

"Consumers are looking for as much choice as possible. It's not about the lowest price anymore," Brown said.

But some Biz Class readers disputed the findings, saying they wouldn't pay for anything extra. Most travelers say they already get extra frequent-flier miles and upgrades from their preferred airline, so paying extra for such added luxuries makes little sense. Greg Miller, a Laurel-based IBM software salesman, said he wouldn't pay extra to pick his own in-flight movie because he carries his own collection of DVDs to watch on his laptop.

Michael N. Gray, a Goleta, Calif.-based business development manager, said paying extra for anything is "ridiculous."

"The airlines have stripped all comfort accommodations to a point that it is a bus with wings; an old bus at that," Gray said.

Reagan National's 30-Minute Rule: In recent months, several Biz Class readers have written to me after flights into Washington's Reagan National Airport, saying the pilot enforced a "30-minute rule," requiring passengers to take their seats for the last half-hour of the flight.

Many of the passengers were left confused and surprised because the government lifted the security rule last July.

Well, it seems as if there still are some airline pilots who have not gotten the memo. Last Thursday, on American Eagle Flight 4121 from Chicago O'Hare International, the captain told the passengers -- including me -- that they were not allowed to leave their seats for any reason once the aircraft was within 30 minutes of landing at Reagan National.

So, as the aircraft was about 45 minutes from landing, several passengers rushed to use the aircraft's one lavatory, forming a line in the aisle (with two passengers at the end who never made it to the bathroom). More worrisome: If a passenger did pop up from his or her seat during the final 30 minutes, the flight could have been diverted to Washington's Dulles International Airport, under the old rule.

Fortunately, everyone on the flight complied with the pilot's orders. But after the flight landed, I asked the captain why she implemented the rule. The captain, who declined to give her name for publication, said that the pilots' regulation flight handbooks were not updated to reflect the elimination of the rule and that they are waiting for revised handbooks.

But American spokesman Tim Smith said all American and American Eagle pilots were notified of the rule's abolition and that its pilots should no longer follow the rule.

Transportation Security Administration spokesman Darrin Kayser said that although the agency notified the nation's airlines on July 13, 2005, that the rule was being abolished, TSA security officials -- as a result of complaints from confused passengers -- have had to notify airlines that their pilots were enforcing a rule that no longer exists.

"If there are pilots that are still following the 30-minute rule," he said, "they need to stop."

If passengers headed into Reagan National find themselves restricted by the 30-minute rule, Kayser encourages them to contact the TSA's consumer complaint line at 866-289-9673.

Amtrak Pricing Changes: Amtrak passengers on the popular East Coast corridor routes will soon get a price break if they book in advance. And those who wait until the last minute will get charged more, as the rail carrier takes a cue from airlines in trying to increase its revenue.

Beginning Monday, passengers of Amtrak's Acela and Metroliner trains running between Washington and Boston could pay as much as 15 percent more or less than standard fare depending on when they book.

The popularity of the route would also figure in ticket price. For example, early morning and late-afternoon trains could be more expensive because they often are the most crowded. Midday and night trains would be cheaper.

"The more flexible you are with travel time and earlier you book, the more likely you might be able to get the lower fare," said Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell.