Is your partner keen on visiting Paris, while you prefer Prague? Are you looking for a warm, sun-soaked holiday but can’t decide where to go? Do not worry, for German carrier Lufthansa is happy to make the decision for you. The airline has launched a new booking feature to attract travellers who love surprises and those who are hopelessly indecisive.
Travellers can choose between nine themes that range from nature, sun and sand, to romance and gourmet cuisine. Each theme lists about half a dozen possible destinations that leave from either Munich or Frankfurt. After choosing the theme, booking dates, and adding payment information, travellers play a round of Russian roulette by clicking proceed and give the airline the decision-making power on their next holiday. Possible destinations listed under ‘Romance’ include Paris, Florence, Budapest, Prague, Venice, Vienna and Zurich. Other themes include partying, bromance, cities, sightseeing and culture, and shopping. Lufthansa Surprise is the latest player to join the blind booking trend.
Some of the early players include companies like Priceline and Hotwire, which offer discounts to travelers who are willing to learn the name of their hotel, airline or car rental only after they book. The concept has been gaining traction over the last few years, appealing to those who are already well-traveled and looking for some spontaneity, as well as the adventure-seeking millennial traveler, who may be more open to the unexpected. Lufthansa’s budget spin-off Eurowings also sells mystery flights at a fixed price based on thematic trips, with fares starting at €33.
Virtual travel agent Pack Up + Go will also take the stress out of travel planning by choosing a destination and creating a weekend travel itinerary in the US based on the user’s budget, transportation preferences and hobbies. The destination and itinerary are kept secret until the day of departure.
Travellers can choose between nine themes that range from nature, sun and sand, to romance and gourmet cuisine. Each theme lists about half a dozen possible destinations that leave from either Munich or Frankfurt. After choosing the theme, booking dates, and adding payment information, travellers play a round of Russian roulette by clicking proceed and give the airline the decision-making power on their next holiday. Possible destinations listed under ‘Romance’ include Paris, Florence, Budapest, Prague, Venice, Vienna and Zurich. Other themes include partying, bromance, cities, sightseeing and culture, and shopping. Lufthansa Surprise is the latest player to join the blind booking trend.
Some of the early players include companies like Priceline and Hotwire, which offer discounts to travelers who are willing to learn the name of their hotel, airline or car rental only after they book. The concept has been gaining traction over the last few years, appealing to those who are already well-traveled and looking for some spontaneity, as well as the adventure-seeking millennial traveler, who may be more open to the unexpected. Lufthansa’s budget spin-off Eurowings also sells mystery flights at a fixed price based on thematic trips, with fares starting at €33.
Virtual travel agent Pack Up + Go will also take the stress out of travel planning by choosing a destination and creating a weekend travel itinerary in the US based on the user’s budget, transportation preferences and hobbies. The destination and itinerary are kept secret until the day of departure.
