Survey Allows Passengers to Really Answer the Question 'How was your flight?'

NEW YORK, May 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- If only airlines could read their passengers' minds. They can come close with the Passenger Choice Awards! As the FAA contemplates rules related to portable electronic devices, the traveling public can weigh in on every aspect of the trip any time they would like by participating in this airline-focused awards program. In addition to getting recognition for doing what works, airlines have the benefit of seeing exactly what moves passengers one way or the other.

The Passenger Choice Awards were created to recognize airline achievements in the passenger experience and to give airlines useful data on how flyers view specific services. The program gives passengers a virtual hotline to airlines to keep them in the know on what's working and what needs improving – meaning the passenger voice can be heard with each and every flight.

"This is valuable information that is specific to our airline, coming from the people who travel with us," said Alfy Veretto, Manager of IFE and Partnerships for Virgin America. Virgin America took home the 2012 award for Best Overall Passenger Experience (Up to 50 IFE Equipped in Fleet) and several other Passenger Choice Awards. "In this industry, finding ways to improve the passenger experience is always evolving. The more information we have, the better the experience becomes."

The survey, available year-round at www.passengerchoiceawards.com, is customizable and asks passengers to rate aspects of the travel experience that are applicable to them. Questions cover ticketing, ground experience, comfort, inflight entertainment and more. Results are tabulated by ratings and research specialists at The Nielsen Company, and results are sent to participating airlines.

Travelers can fill out the survey multiple times and are encouraged to do so every time they fly. Awards categories include inflight publications, connectivity and communications, food and beverage, informational videos and entertainment, cabin ambiance and pre-departure experience. Past winners include Southwest Airlines (Best Inflight Publication), Norwegian (Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications) and Singapore Airlines (Best Food & Beverage).

The Passenger Choice Awards were created by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) to recognize airline achievements in the passenger experience and to give airlines useful data on how flyers view specific services.

Join the conversation! Become a fan of the Passenger Choice Awards on Facebook and follow the awards on Twitter for air travel tips and information, and updates about the Passenger Choice Awards! 

About the Passenger Choice Awards 

The Passenger Choice Awards were created to give voice to airline passengers. For an opportunity to "Choose Who's in First," for 2012, visit www.passengerchoiceawards.com to vote and be sure to visit the Passenger Choice Awards fan pages on Facebook and Twitter.

About APEX

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) encompasses a network of businesses and professionals that are committed to providing a world-class airline experience for passengers around the globe. Every day, APEX members are improving every aspect of the airline experience: from designing, building and installing seating, entertainment and communications systems on commercial aircraft, to airport lounges and inflight dining.

CONTACT: Chris Peterson, 404-252-3663, [email protected]

SOURCE Airline Passenger Experience Association