A survey conducted in June this year by Virgin Atlantic has revealed the essential items that students want to pack when they study abroad – with home food and fashion topping the list. The study reveals that if students were allowed to carry extra baggage, 35 per cent would pack more food items while 32 per cent said they would take all their shoes. In addition to food, apparel and shoes students also love to carry sports equipment and music instruments as they shift their base to another country for a few years.
Additionally, as per the findings 40 per cent of the students who book their airline tickets in advance usually end up changing their date of travel and about 32 per cent of them have to incur a date change fee. Having factored these trends amongst students who travel abroad, Virgin Atlantic being a student friendly airline has created customised offers to make travel more convenient for students.
Students travelling with Virgin Atlantic can avail the special check in baggage allowance of up to 69kg in Economy – three bags of 23kg each in addition to 10kg of hand baggage and one piece of sports equipment at no extra charge. This offer will allow students one date change free of charge.
Nick Parker, Head of India and Middle East, Virgin Atlantic Airways commented, “At Virgin Atlantic we put the customer at the heart of everything we do and will continue to ensure that flying Virgin Atlantic is always that little bit more special and more magical. We are pleased to offer students flying to the UK and US a generous baggage allowance and free date change to ensure they can carry their home comforts while studying abroad. We also have student travel advisors at our contact centre to help them with all their travel related queries.”
The airline conducted a similar survey in 2015 which gave an in-depth insight at student’s packing desires such as ghar ka khana including ladoos, pickles, desi ghee, spices, mangoes and instant noodles.
Shivani Singh Deo, Marketing and Communications Manager, Virgin Atlantic India added, “We will continue to surprise and delight our customers and understand the importance of extra baggage for students when they travel abroad for studies. To help them kick start their journey hassle free, we have put together this offer to champion their needs.”
