The Satisfaction of Thai Frequent Travelers over the Use of Environmentally Friendly Tableware and Cutlery for In-Flight Meal Services

Abstract

         This research aims to study the satisfaction of the frequent travelers in a topic of the use of environment- friendly tableware and cutlery during the in-flight meal services. The sample group must be the elite member of several airlines. They have been traveling more than 50,000 miles on both domestic and international flights each year or equivalent, depending on the airline’s membership regulations. This is qualitative research. The data has been conducted by an in-dept interview from 20 people.

         The result shows 70% of the sample group satisfied the use of environment- friendly tableware and cutlery during the in-flight meal services and can be analyzed into five main supportive reasons including, 1. Being part of the campaign, 2. Being proud of the airlines they fly with, 3. They think is more safety, 4. They do not expect anything else apart from a transportation service, 5. They believe it is a cost reduction for the airlines. However, 30% of the sample group disagreed or unsatisfied and the conducted data can be analyzed into five main supportive reasons as well. They are 1. The lack of convenience, 2. They are not confident in the cleanliness, 3. They believe it could generate more waste, 4. They think this is a bad image for the airlines, and finally, 5. They believe it is just a cost reduction excuse from the airlines or greenwashing.