The profile of the air traveler has changed considerably. Having worked at the Mumbai airport for an international airline for over two and a half decades, am witness to this change. This transformation reflects the rapid growth in our economy leading to a globalized lifestyle.

The typical air traveler in the late seventies and eighties was the one who traveled either on business or to visit someone. Rare was the leisure traveler. Of course we had the backpack tourist who visited the eastern hemisphere on the lookout for drugs and spiritual solace. They were stereotyped by their long hair, unshaved visages, well worn out denims, colorful tee shirts and doped out faraway looks in their eyes. They carried their home on their backs and were always on the lookout for the next joint for a mind-blowing experience.

Then we had the labor force traveling in big groups to the Middle-East with dreams of leading comfortable lives. While on departure, they carried nothing with them but their dreams and a few belongings in a handbag, on their return they could be easily identified. They would have thick gold chains round their necks, gold bracelets, gold watches and the ubiquitous 2in1 stereo player! On departure, they had fear in their eyes as they were heading out to the greatest adventure of their lives. Once when I was on the counter checking-in passengers for one of the Gulf bound flights, a big group lined up in front of my counter. As the first one gave me his documents, I asked him whether he smoked so that I could allot him a seat in the appropriate section on the flight. He immediately smiled, nodded and offered me a cigarette! Such was the naiveté of our passengers. The story was no different on board the flights either. They had to be shown visuals on how to use the toilets.  

Now, things are a lot different. It is very rare to find an ignorant traveler. Most of them are well versed in the art of air travel. They know exactly what they want and keep the airlines busy trying to figure out newer ways to please the customer.

Leisure travel is a big industry now. The travel options available for the passenger are plenty. The passenger has to be wooed now and cannot be taken for granted. The open skies are dotted with aircraft of all hues and sizes trying their best to be noticed and patronized.

The Age of the Air Traveler is here.

Bon voyage!