Consumers are now able to rate airlines using review site TripAdvisor in the same way they can rate hotels, the site confirmed January 12.

In a move which will see traveler reviews displayed alongside the flights that it sells, the Expedia-owned travel giant has added a new feature that allows travellers to rate airlines on different categories.

Users will be able to offer their thoughts on service areas such as baggage handling, check-in experience, in-flight amenities, punctuality and seat comfort.

Travelers booking flights will be able to filter results by a minimum rating, leave their own feedback and get a direct link to SeatGuru reviews of the aircraft that they will be flying on from the booking pages.

The service, which launched January 12 on TripAdvisor’s UK and US sites, is likely to be a blow to well-established site SkyTrax, an airline review database which has made a name for itself by issuing “star ratings” for airlines.

Such ratings have since been embraced by airlines around the world, some of whom brand themselves as five star or four star airlines based on their SkyTrax ranking, to attract more passengers.

Given TripAdvisor’s somewhat turbulent relationship with the hotel industry and the power it has come to wield, airline chiefs are likely to be watching very closely to see whether the new airline review section will be a hit with consumers.

Source: AFPrelaxnews