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Quality of physical surroundings and service encounters, airfare, trust and intention during the flight: Age-group difference (young, middle-aged, and mature)

Heesup Han (College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea)
Jinsoo Hwang (Division of Tourism, Dongseo University, Busan, South Korea)

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

ISSN: 0959-6119

Article publication date: 11 May 2015

1977

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to examine young, middle-aged and mature air-travelers’ perceptions of the quality levels of in-flight physical surroundings and service encounters, and investigated the drivers of their repurchase intentions in the low-cost airline industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 402 passengers on international flights was used. An ANOVA and a series of multiple-regression analyses based on Baron and Kenny’s (1986) suggestion were used.

Findings

In general, significant differences in quality attributes were identified across age groups. Additionally, the role of these quality components, perceived level of the airfare and trust in the airline were found to be decisive in low-cost airline passengers’ decision formation. Further, the mediating impact of perceived level of the airfare and trust was identified.

Originality/value

Research about air-travelers’ decision formation by considering their age is rare in a low-cost airline context. Results of the present study provided meaningful insights for researchers and practitioners in the airline industry.

Keywords

Citation

Han, H. and Hwang, J. (2015), "Quality of physical surroundings and service encounters, airfare, trust and intention during the flight: Age-group difference (young, middle-aged, and mature)", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 585-607. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-08-2013-0344

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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