DALLAS, Jan. 25, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Small business travelers spoke out about airport services, technology, security and other air travel topics in a recent survey conducted by the American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA). ASBTA is a national alliance that provides valuable services and functions focused specifically on the travel needs and interests of small business owners.
The online survey, conducted in late 2005, revealed that a majority (60 percent) of small business travelers are taking advantage of airport services and technologies such as meeting venues and wireless hotspots. The responses were somewhat less enthusiastic regarding airport security measures, which 55 percent of respondents felt do not adequately protect travelers; in spite of this, trip frequency has increased for the small business traveler.
Small business travelers also responded to how they use airports, with a significant number (54 percent) indicating that frequency of air service between cities was a very important consideration when making travel choices. In addition, 24 percent of respondents reported that half or more of their travel is to communities of less than 200,000, confirming that small businesses need access to remote destinations.
Small business travelers 'technologically savvy'
"These results are further evidence that small business travelers are technologically savvy, safety-minded and inclined to fly to major American cities, just like their corporate counterparts," said Chuck Sharp, ASBTA President. "We feel this information is significant not only to the way small business travelers are perceived by the airline industry, but also to how the industry will cater and market to small business travelers in the future."
The types of services being utilized by small business travelers at airports include copying and faxing services, business clubs and meeting facilities. In many cases, all of these needs can be met at easily accessible facilities like American Airlines' Admirals Club Executive Centers(r).
Located in several major airports around the U.S., these facilities are fully equipped with everything from computer data ports and speakerphones to slide and data projectors, and customers have access to other necessary office equipment, such as paper shredders and copiers. Complimentary tea and coffee are also available, and full-service catering is available on request. Most importantly for budget-conscious businesses, Admirals Club membership is not required to use the service. (For more information, visit http://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/airportAmenities/admiralsClubArticles/meetingAccommodations.jhtml).
New security technology implemented
Many airports are also addressing some of the security concerns of small business travelers by working closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement new technologies designed to both improve airport security and expedite lines at security checkpoints. One example is a type of screening machine that uses puffs of air to collect and electronically analyze passengers for traces of explosives.
The screening machines do not replace standard metal detectors, but are used to provide extra scrutiny of selected passengers to check for hidden bombs and eliminate the need for time-consuming hand searches. The TSA began testing the machines in 2004 in a limited number of airports and is expanding the test to include the busiest U.S. airports in 2006, including Dulles, LaGuardia and Dallas-Fort Worth. Visit www.tsa.gov for a full list of participating airports.
"There's no doubt that the airline industry is making advances that are useful to the wants and needs of small business travelers, but the real key here is communicating to the industry how effectively those requirements are being met and where there may still be room for growth or improvement," said Sharp.
About ASBTA
ASBTA is dedicated to educating the small business traveler and promoting the travel industry at large. The American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA) is a national organization serving small business travelers by providing information regarding resources and services, savings on air fares, car rentals, and accommodations, as well as technology (www.businesstraveltechnology.com) designed to improve and enhance your travel experience. ASBTA surveys are sponsored by Airline Weekly (www.airlineweekly.com). If you're a small business owner and want to learn more, visit our site and register free at www.asbta.com. You can contact ASBTA by phone at 469-648-0190 or email us at info@asbta.com.
The ASBTA logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1907.