Airline safety protocols and flexibility more important than cost of airfare this holiday season
This holiday season U.S. adults are more concerned with airline safety measures and flexibility over cost, according to a new study by The Points Guy. This includes strict mask compliance on board (31%), airlines following proper cleaning protocols/frequency of aircraft cleaning (10%), empty middle seats to distance travelers (10%) and flexible cancellation policies (6%). Still, with the coronavirus pandemic expected to get worse as the year rolls on, more than 1 in 5 (21%) are most concerned about the price of airfare, rather than individual health precautions. The rest either don’t know (16%) or have some other priority (6%).
Overall, U.S. adults are just as likely to travel this upcoming holiday season as they are to avoid their usual travel plans due to COVID-19 (18% each). A mere 7% say they usually travel but aren’t this year and the outbreak had no impact on the decision and 5% don’t know. More than half (51%) don’t usually travel at all. Generationally speaking, Gen Z (ages 18-23) and millennials (ages 24-39) are most likely to travel for the upcoming holiday season (30% and 24%, respectively).
“As Americans debate whether to return to the skies this holiday season, their biggest concern is safety protocols,” says Melanie Lieberman, Senior Travel Editor at The Points Guy. “Before you book, be sure to research the airlines’ different cleaning and distancing policies (https://thepointsguy.com/guide/airline-social-distancing-policies/) to reduce uncertainty.”
Of those who think they’ll be traveling during the 2020 holiday season, driving is the preferred mode of transportation. Expected travelers are more than twice as likely to drive versus fly (90% at least somewhat likely to drive vs. 42% at least somewhat likely to fly). Catching a train is the least popular choice (18% at least somewhat likely).
Many holiday travelers will be making their first trip since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Of those planning to travel this holiday season, 38% say this will be their first trip since the start of the pandemic.
Lieberman adds, “With many travelers making their first trip since lockdown, it is important to make sure you’re prepared, because the travel experience has changed significantly. You’ll want to have a back-up plan in case your plane or train is overcrowded; follow social distancing guidelines by staying at least six feet away from others; make sure you’ve packed all the necessities (masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes); and understand the cancellation and rebooking policies.”
