50% of Australians have a secret for free flight upgrades – Are you missing out on flying in style?

Traveling can be a thrilling adventure, and for many Australians, the journey is just as important as the destination. With the cost of travel rising, who wouldn't want to snag a little luxury without the hefty price tag? According to a recent survey by Escape, it seems that quite a few Aussies have a trick up their sleeve for flying in style: a little white lie.

The survey, which delved into the travel habits of Australians, uncovered that one in two Aussie travellers has either fibbed to get a free flight upgrade or has seriously contemplated it. The allure of extra legroom, better food, and superior service is tempting, with almost 40% of respondents admitting they've been on the brink of telling a tall tale. Meanwhile, a bold 12% have no reservations about claiming a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday to score those coveted freebies.



But the revelations from Australia's largest travel brand don't stop there. The survey, which previewed the opinions of 2,000 people, has brought some intriguing insights to light. For instance, half of the respondents would prefer to travel without the cries of babies echoing through the cabin, with 32% willing to pay for a seat in an adults-only section and 20% open to the idea of adults-only flights.


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A survey revealed that one in two Australian travellers lied to get a flight upgrade. Credit: Shutterstock


The survey also highlighted that Australians are not strangers to being scammed while abroad, from paying too much for a taxi ride to purchasing counterfeit visas. Yet, when it comes to cruising, it seems many Aussies embrace a different persona, one that's unafraid to indulge in excessive eating, strike up conversations with strangers, or dance without a care in the world.



Paul Ryan, CEO of Australian-owned tour operator Inspiring Vacations, notes that Australians have an 'insatiable appetite for travel' and are 'resilient and adventurous' in their travel style, always on the lookout for value for money when selecting travel experiences.

Domestically, the Northern Territory reigns supreme as the most desired destination, followed closely by Queensland, with Uluru featuring prominently on many bucket lists. Dominique Hermo, a 32-year-old avid traveller from Sydney, compares the significance of visiting Ulire to seeing the Vatican when in Rome.

Affordable holidays also pique the interest of many, with 60% of survey participants having tried camping. Grant Wilckens, CEO of G'day Group, Australia's largest holiday park owner and operator, believes camping appeals to a wide range of demographics, especially those with varying budgets.



The survey didn't shy away from the lighter side of travel either. Half of Gen Y and Gen Z travellers live by the motto 'it's always cocktail hour somewhere,' and two in five women wouldn't hesitate to order a morning margarita at the airport, even before 10 am. When it comes to packing, women are more likely to include a pair of underwear for each day of travel, whereas men and Boomers tend to pack fewer pairs and opt to wash them as needed.

Kerrie McCallum, Editorial Director of Escape, is eager to uncover more about Australians' real travel behaviors and attitudes, including those little secrets we might not readily admit to friends and family. The initial results have already shown a penchant for stretching the truth if it means an upgrade, and there's anticipation for what other confessions will come to light.

For those intrigued by these findings and interested in contributing their own travel confessions or preferences, Escape invites you to participate in The Great Escape Travel Survey. Not only will you be adding to the collective understanding of Aussie travel habits, but you'll also be in the running to win $2000 cash. The survey is open until June 23 at escape.com.au/survey.



Key Takeaways
  • One in two Australian travellers has lied or considered lying to get a free flight upgrade or other freebies.
  • Australians have strong opinions about travel, with half wanting babies off planes and showing interest in adults-only flight options.
  • The nationwide travel survey by Escape aims to reveal Australians' true travel opinions and behaviours.
  • Results indicate that Australians prioritise value for money in travel and have a particular interest in domestic destinations like the Northern Territory and Uluru.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you ever stretched the truth for a flight upgrade? Or do you have your own tips and tricks for making travel more comfortable and enjoyable? Share your stories and let's find out if we're part of the 50% who fancy a free upgrade to the finer side of flying.
 
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on our way to china via china air i took sick and was put up to another class. a family with noisy kids put me off ever wanting to upgrade. I must say the airline was lovely to me and even did the heart check when landed. no cost to me.
 

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