87% strongly opposed to next round of hikes
In a survey of 2,400 business travellers, more than 57% thought the latest rise in Air Passenger duty (APD) was "unfair".
Some 87% of people who took the Business Travel and Meetings Show (BTMS) survey are "strongly opposed" to the next set of increases in November 2010.
The government increased APD in November to £12 from £11 for a short haul economy class flight, and to £110 from £55 for a 6,000-mile plus premium long-haul flight, regardless of whether the passenger is in premium economy, business or first class.
From November 2010, this highest tier will increase to £170 per flight, an increase of 112%.
The survey also revealed one of the biggest dislikes of those travelling for work - phones on planes. Some 82% said they don't want mobiles on board.
But wifi on planes would be a bonus, said respondents.
Online check-in was voted as business travellers' innovation of the decade, followed closely by wifi internet access, flat beds, notebooks and Eurostar.
In the next decade, the travelling public is looking for more innovations, including wifi on planes. But faster security, check-in and immigration processes topped the wishlist.
David Chapple, event director of BTMS, said: "The noughties have been a hotbed of innovation when it comes to business travel.
"Innovations in technology, infrastructure and services have all contributed to make it easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable than ever for progessional to both travel and do business effectively."
Other requests included the return of supersonic aircraft and a miracle child silencer. Carbon free travel also ranked highly.
The survey also revealed that 73% of people travelled on business the same amount or more in 2009, and predicted this figure would rise to 91% in 2010.
www.businesstravelshow.co.uk