DETERMINATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE AIRLINE PREFERENCES OF AVIATION DEPARTMENT STUDENTS: A COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE FROM KONYA PROVINCE

This study aims to analyze the factors influencing airline preferences among university students enrolled in aviation programs in Konya. The objective of the research is to understand the preferences of aviation students and contribute to the existing literature. The factors are categorized into three main groups: pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight. Pre-flight factors include ticket price, ease of reservation and purchase, online check-in services, flight schedules, on-time departures and arrivals, fast check-in and boarding services, VIP-CIP lounge services, airline image, and frequent flyer programs. In-flight factors consist of comfort, in-flight entertainment systems, catering services, quality of catering, hygiene standards, and the courtesy of cabin crew. Post-flight factors encompass baggage claim time, lost baggage procedures, access to the airline's services, and car rental services. This study was conducted using an online survey method with 274 participants. The results indicate that ticket price is the most important pre-flight factor. The least important factor in this category is the VIP-CIP lounge services. During the flight, cleanliness, hygiene, and the behavior of the cabin crew were found to be the most critical factors, while in-flight entertainment services were the least important. Post-flight, the speed of resolving lost baggage issues emerged as the most significant factor, whereas affordable car rental services were identified as the least important factor.