The Management Consulting Group

In a new study conducted by American Airlines and HP, it was found that the most important thing for a business traveller is getting an internet connection while he or she is on move.

The survey shows that most of the business travellers would be happy to be plugged onto the internet with their laptop dongle and working away at their gadgets. Nearly 90% of American business travellers who were interviewed confirmed that they always carried a notebook and a phone. 85% of the respondents worked while waiting at the airport and 53% continued even inside the flight. It seems catching an in-flight nap is clearly a thing of the past now.

Almost 50 percent of the people who were interviewed stated that they considered an internet connection to be the topmost amenity while travelling, and even food came after that. Carlo Hess-Nickels, director of marketing for HP’s notebook arm said that the study revealed how business travellers considered internet connectivity to be essential for their functioning, rather than just as an added comfort.

In fact, more and more travellers will now be seen slogging over their laptops in their cramped flight seats. Airlines are using the in-flight internet facility to woo travellers and according to a market research company, In-Stat, about 800 planes from all over the world would have mobile broadband in about a year’s time. This will go a long way in satisfying the requirements of those 70 percent travellers who are eager to have broadband connection on-board.