"We're pleased the company has put forward a new offer to the unions, however the content will need to be considered by the bargaining groups for ground support staff and check-in workers, " said TGWU chief negotiator Brendan Gould.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Fresh BA offer in pay dispute

For the flying side of the equation, it asks for origin and destination airports, estimated check-in time and the estimated ground transportation costs to and from the airport on both ends of the journey.

BBC: To drive or fly? That is the question

On the ground, airlines can differentiate themselves by plying road warriors with special check-in areas, clubs reserved for top-tier fliers and agents designated to wait on the most frequent fliers.

WSJ: The Tarmac Express: A Porsche to the Plane

The team checked the responses of seal mothers by recording the number of pup checks made (where the mother raises her head off the ground and moves it in the direction of her young to check their well-being) during a specific time period.

BBC: Seal pup

There could be better, faster check-in, more or faster security lines, and airlines' ground handling companies could be incentivised to improve baggage handling speeds.

BBC: Stuck on the runway