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Rising costs and air congestion changing travel patterns
Travelers are changing their ways in reaction to summer-filled air delays and rising travel costs in a number of sectors, according to a new Orbitz study.
One particular change in flying is that one third of passengers are now opting to travel through a smaller regional airport to avoid possibly delays, says the Orbitz Traveler Update Report done quarterly.
“Airports aren’t the only places where travelers are changing behaviors. Rising gas prices are also affecting travel choices, with 35% of those surveyed saying they are renting smaller cars as a result of current fuel costs,” Orbitz says.
And travel costs in general, associated with airfare, gas prices and lodging have caused almost one third of respondents to stay at a less expensive or lower-rated hotel than they would prefer while traveling.
Many of the behavioral changes, however, are occurring in and around airports, says Orbitz.
With the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 rule regarding carry-on liquids, 40% of travelers say they are checking luggage more often, while only 25% say they have altered what they check to adhere to the regulations.
Although checking luggage is becoming more frequent, technology is helping to alleviate the check-in process. Sixty percent of those surveyed say they now check in from home or work before arriving at the airport.
What has become the most difficult element about the check-in process?
The largest number of respondents (42%) say getting through airport security has become a more negative experience this year. This was followed by getting a preferred seat on a flight, at 36%.
This, along with positive feelings toward check-in kiosks, helps explain why two-thirds of those surveyed feel the check-in process has become a more positive experience overall.
Travelers are also becoming more educated on ways to avoid possible flight delays.
Almost one-third of those surveyed say they now book the earliest flight of the day or travel the night before a meeting or appointment, to minimize risk of delays and ensure arrival at their destination ahead of time.
“Travelers are exploring new ways, through technology and alternative trip choices, to make the experience more enjoyable,” said Randy Wagner, chief marketing officer, Orbitz Worldwide.
Report by David Wilkening
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