Americans believe flying is more frustrating than five years ago, according to a new Morning Consult survey released today by the U.S. Travel Association.
Travelers especially dread flying around the Christmas holiday, the time of year overwhelmingly cited as the worst for air travel. Because of such headaches, Americans avoided 32 million air trips last year, costing the U.S. economy more than $24 billion in spending.
According to the Morning Consult survey:
- 60 percent say airline fees, such as fees for checked bags, flight changes, and seat assignments have gotten worse;
- 51 percent say the overall cost of flying has gotten worse;
- 47 percent say airport hassles, like long lines, crowded terminals, and moving from one part of the airport to another have gotten worse.
In addition, a majority (55%) of frequent leisure travelers would take more leisure trips each year if hassles at the airport could be reduced or eliminated. Drive-to vacation rental destinations stand to benefit from American’s negative views on flying. With messaging designed to appeal to the drive-to market, vacation rental marketers can demonstrate the savings and benefits of traveling to near-by destinations for leisure travel.
