United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Survey unveils stresses of travel
Brits are increasingly stressed and frustrated by the airport experience following widespread reports of collapses, delays, lost luggage and confusion.
According to a survey of 2,179 Brits earlier this month, commissioned by travelsupermarket.com, 54% rated themselves at a ‘mid stress’ level or above during their airport experience.
Holidaymakers blamed the stress on flight delays and cancellations (68%), lengthy queues (58%) and strict security procedures (36%).
Another 26% blamed not being able to get a seat in the departure lounge and 20% blame other travellers for marring their airport experience.
When it comes to frustrations with airlines, 38% sited delays and late arrivals, followed by additional costs tagged onto the price (33%), uncomfortable seating (32%), a lack of communication with delays (30%) and noisy children on flights (23%).
Nearly one in six (15%) also had a complaint about noisy adults on flights.
Stress is also caused by other aspects of going on holiday, according to the research, with 28% fretting about getting all documentation together and 23% worrying about arriving where they need to be on time.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said: “There is no denying that it has been a turbulent few months for both those within the travel industry and those looking to travel.
“Confusion and frustration is high amongst travellers, with the ongoing economic turbulence causing even more worry.
“Many consumers are tightening their belts and carefully considering purchases, making it imperative that airlines and airport staff take heed of consumer demands to ensure that they don’t lose out to their competitors.
“More recently some airlines have introduced a reduction in fuel surcharge costs, which is a step in the right direction, and we hope to see more follow suit.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel