Low-cost carriers going after business travelers

Low-budget airline easyJet has launched a new fast track security service in a bid to lure business travelers away from major national carriers and onto their seats.

Low-budget airline easyJet has launched a new fast track security service in a bid to lure business travelers away from major national carriers and onto their seats.

EasyJet-is-going-after-the-business-traveler-Photo-AFP

Starting this month, passengers who purchase ‘flexi fares,’ will also be able to sail through airport security at 27 airports served by the airline.

Flexible fares are offered on tickets that are £79 (€93) one way, and come with services such as free date changes within four weeks of the travel dates, up-front seating, priority boarding and one checked and one carry-on baggage allowance.

It’s the latest trend out of no-frills airlines which were initially created to cater to budget-conscious consumers.

Now, carriers like Ryanair and easyJet are going after the other end of the market spectrum, trying to poach customer loyalty away from full-service carriers with upgrades which offer similar products at a fraction of the price.

Ryanair estimates that 22 percent of its passengers are corporate flyers, while easyJet pegs their numbers at 10 million a year.

EasyJet’s fast track security program will first be offered at airports in the UK, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and France before rolling out system-wide.