TripAdvisor moves into uncharted territory with FlyScore

Hotel review company TripAdvisor has moved to provide the same service for the airline industry via TripAdvisor Flights, where customers can grade and review airlines in much the same way that they do for an overnight stay.


The reviews are combined with an external rating of the amenities on a particular'“FlyScore'.


There are a few bumps in the road, however, such as working out how to handle service levels that can vary wildly depending on the cabin and flight crew, load factor, behaviour of other passengers, menu choices, whether the journey is long or short-haul, the smoothness of the flight and the plane type.


However, if everything works out, it's hoped FlyScore might encourage flyers to change their buying behaviour.


If customers are willing to pay more for a seat rated 'excellent' on an airline compared to a competitor's that is rated 'terrible', then perhaps airlines will start to compete for better reviews and change parts of their offerings.


But whether reviews of seat pitch, airline food and drink, in-flight entertainment, on-time performance, cabin crew efficiency and friendliness will change airlines - or their customers' buying decisions - is as yet unproven.

TripAdvisor moves into uncharted territory with FlyScore

Hotel review company TripAdvisor has moved to provide the same service for the airline industry via TripAdvisor Flights, where customers can grade and review airlines in much the same way that they do for an overnight stay.


The reviews are combined with an external rating of the amenities on a particular'“FlyScore'.


There are a few bumps in the road, however, such as working out how to handle service levels that can vary wildly depending on the cabin and flight crew, load factor, behaviour of other passengers, menu choices, whether the journey is long or short-haul, the smoothness of the flight and the plane type.


However, if everything works out, it's hoped FlyScore might encourage flyers to change their buying behaviour.


If customers are willing to pay more for a seat rated 'excellent' on an airline compared to a competitor's that is rated 'terrible', then perhaps airlines will start to compete for better reviews and change parts of their offerings.


But whether reviews of seat pitch, airline food and drink, in-flight entertainment, on-time performance, cabin crew efficiency and friendliness will change airlines - or their customers' buying decisions - is as yet unproven.