Loading
The 2024 Global Passenger Survey from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that travelers prioritize convenience, technology, and efficiency in the travel process, with regional variations in preferences and adoption rates.
Travelers globally favor technology that enhances convenience and speed throughout their journey. Approximately 68% prioritize proximity to the airport when choosing their departure location, and 71% prefer booking travel online, with 53% opting for the airline’s website or app. While convenience is the main reason passengers choose a specific payment method (70%), technology is becoming integral, with a significant rise in the use of digital wallets and biometric systems.
At the airport, 85% of passengers are open to sharing immigration data before arrival to streamline processes, with 89% expressing interest in trusted traveler programs for faster security checks. Nearly half (45%) want to complete immigration procedures pre-arrival. Biometrics are becoming a standard preference, with 75% favoring them over traditional documentation. Concerns about data protection persist, with 50% of travelers highlighting security assurances as critical for using biometric solutions.
Younger travelers (under-25s) are particularly enthusiastic about digital solutions, with 90% interested in using smartphones for booking and airport navigation, and 51% preferring digital wallets. Regionally, preferences differ:
– Africa: Limited airport options and complex visa requirements lead more passengers to book through travel agents and favor digital solutions.
– Asia-Pacific: The most price-conscious and leading in mobile app usage, yet satisfaction with biometrics is lower.
– Europe: Cautious about digital sharing, Europeans prefer credit/debit cards and are the least likely to share biometric data.
– Middle East: Most likely to choose airports based on facilities, favoring smartphones for travel transactions.
– North America: Debit/credit card preference and heavy loyalty point use, with high satisfaction in biometric identification.
– Latin America and Caribbean: Flexible payment preferences, showing strong interest in biometrics despite lower usage rates
The report underscores the evolving landscape of air travel, where convenience and technology continue to shape the passenger experience across demographics and regions.
SITA REPORT 2023 Home The Rise of Mobile Technologies and Passenger-Centric Trends 18 December 2023 Digital Services, Get the best…
CarTrawler 2023 Home CarTrawler 2023 Yearbook Ancillary Revenue Insights 6 November 2023 Digital Services, IFEC Report, Technology Ancillary Revenue Soars…
Valour Consultancy 2023 Home The Market for Onboard Ancillary Revenues and Payment Solutions 18 December 2023 Digital Services, IFEC Report,…