Air Travel by Generations Res Life

Travel Research:
Air Travel by Generations
Vicki Gelfeld
Research Advisor
July 2016
AARP RESEARCH | AARP.ORG/RESEARCH | 2016 AARP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Table of Contents
2016 Air Travel

Executive Summary 3
Detailed Findings
Air Travel Stats 7
Air Travel Stressors 14
Suggestions for Improvement 31
Generational Differences 35
Appendix 42
AARP Research Team 44
AARP RESEARCH | AARP.ORG/RESEARCH | 2016 AARP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2

Executive Summary

Executive Summary
AIR TRAVEL OVERVIEW
Among the 58% of Baby Boomers who traveled for leisure by air in 2015, on average
they took 2-3 trips by air across all seasons of the year.
For Baby Boomers, air travel is relatively stress-free with just 14% rating their most
recent air travel experience as stressful.
Neither mobility nor the need to compensate for a hearing or vision loss appears
to be an issue for the majority of todays Baby Boomer air travelers.
Overall, the causes of the most stress are flight delays, a lack of legroom on the flight,
and getting through security at the departure airport.
Of those who do report high levels of stress associated with their most recent flight,
most cite their experience at their departure airport (31%) as the most stressful aspect
of their travel experience.
Top airport stressors include getting through security (31%), checking in (26%), a
delayed flight (26%), and waiting to board (25%).

Executive Summary
CAUSES OF AIR TRAVEL STRESS
It appears that part of what causes stress related to air travel has more to do with the
individual persons demeanor than any specific set of behaviors.
Those who report being nervous about flying also report significantly higher
levels of stress related to almost every aspect of the air travel experience.
However, they report similar, if not the exact same behaviors, as those who are
not nervous about flying (e.g. arrival time, check-in options, activities prior to
boarding, items brought for personal entertainment, etc.).
That said, there are a few relationships in the data worth mentioning:
Of the 43% of Baby Boomers who indicated their most recent flight required a
connection, they account for 51% of those who report their trip as stressful. They
also make up 55% of those who are worried about flight delays.
Those traveling with children (although a small portion of the Baby Boomer
population; 10%) also report higher levels of stress related to getting through
security, finding their gate, and their gate being moved than do those traveling
alone or with seniors (65+).

Executive Summary
GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES
Baby Boomers are far more relaxed about air travel than are Millennials and GenXers
with just 14% reporting their most recent trip as stressful, compared to 29% and 23%,
respectively. This trend is mirrored in the percent who are nervous about flying; 23%
vs. 38% and 31%, respectively.
That said, for Millennials, part of their stress may also be caused by their behaviors.
Over 50% arrive at the airport with one and half hours, or less, before their flight
departs.
And therefore, Millennials are more likely to report going straight to their gate,
rather than taking advantage of the airport amenities prior to flight.
Millennials nature to be always on is no different when it comes to air travel,
they report the highest usage of travel related apps (62% vs. 48% for GenX and
34% for Boomers), and are more likely than older generations to bring their own
entertainment or work for in-flight distractions.
Which also puts them in the position to be the most likely to be looking for a
power supply prior to their flight (41% vs. 35% GenX and 14% Boomer).
Detailed Findings:
Air Travel Stats Understanding Our Audience

Air Travel Overview
More than half (58%) of Baby Boomers have traveled by air in the past year.
Among air travelers, they report taking 2 to 3 flights this past year for leisure purposes.
Their travel is fairly evenly spread across the seasons with the exception of a slight dip
specifically during the winter months (January and February).
Incidence of Air Travel Time of Year

30%
58%
Base: Total Baby Boomers Screened (n=952) 21% 21%
20%
17% 17%
14%
Number of Trips Past Year
Among Air Travelers 10%
10%
2.6 0%
Spring Summer Fall 2015 Holiday Winter Spring
2015 2015 2015 2016 2016
Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)

S10: Thinking about your leisure trips in the past year, for how many did you take an airplane to get to your final destination?
Q5: When did you take this most recent flight?

Who Traveled With
Baby Boomers tend to travel with other adults (18+) instead of young children. Over half
indicated traveling with a spouse/significant other on their most recent trip, while one-
fourth traveled alone.
Average Number
of Travel Companions Relation of Travel Companions
Total Travelers: Spouse/Sig Other 60%
2.7 Alone
My Child(ren)
25%
23%
Other family 14%
Friend(s) 6%
My Parent(s) 4%
My Grandparent(s) <1%
Other 2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Q3: Including yourself, how many people were flying together on your most recent leisure trip?
Q4: Specifically, who accompanied you on this trip?

Most Recent Flight Destination
Domestic travel is most common among Boomers. Across all destinations, connecting
flights are rather common with 43% of Boomers reporting taking one on their most
recent trip.
Domestic International
Destination 78% 22%
38% 62%
43% Total

Q2: Where were you flying to on the most leisure trip you took?
Q6: Did you have any connecting flights on this most recent trip?

Need for Assistance
The vast majority of Boomers who have traveled by air for leisure in the past year do not need
assistance to move around the airport for either
themselves or their travel companions. Nor do they suffer from hearing or vision loss.
Airport Mobility Assistance Used

Flew Alone (n=128) Flew with Others (n=379)
No assistance needed 93%

89%
Assistance needed (NET) 7%

11%
N/A
Stroller/baby carrier
2%
Wheelchair 7%
7%
Motorized passenger cart 1%

4%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Q7a: Did you require any of the following types of assistance to move about the airport, either at your departure or destination city/or while making a connecting flight?
Q7b: Which of the following types of mobility assistance, to move about the airport either at your departure or destination city/or to make a connecting flight, was
needed by you or someone you were traveling with? Q8: Do you have any hearing or vision loss?

Electronic Devices & Power Supply
Over 90% of Boomers travel with some type of electronic device, primarily a smartphone.
Only 1% of Boomers pay for airport Wi-Fi, but 56% will use it when its free.
Finding power to charge a device is typically not an issue in the airport.
Devices Traveled With Use of Airport Wi-Fi

Yes, free Yes, paid Did not use
Traveled with device (NET) 91%
Smartphone 75% 1%
56%
Tablet 43% 43%
Laptop 30%
iPod 8%
Base: Boomers Traveled with Device (n=461)
Handheld game 2%
Other 6% Charging Device
None 9% Needed a Found
Charge: Power:
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
19% 94%
Base: Boomers Base: Boomers
Traveled with Device Needing Charge
Q22: Which of the following devices did you travel with on this last trip? (n=461) (n=88)
Q23: Did you use Wi-Fi in the airport while waiting for your flight?
Q24: Did you need to power up any of your electronic devices while waiting for your flight? Q25: Were you able to find a power source at the airport?

Travel Apps
While most Boomers (66%) do not engage with travel apps, those who do tend to rely on
those that are airline specific.
App Usage
60% 56% Popular Apps

(Among App Users)
40%
34%
Yes No
34% 66%
20%
13%
9%
6% 5%
0%
Airline specific Google FlightAware FlightStats Trip it: Trip Gate Guru
Planner
Note: Only 5%+ reported
Base: Boomers Who Used a Travel App (n=172)

Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507) Q33: Which of the following travel apps, if any, did you use during air travel?

Detailed Findings:
Air Travel Stressors

How Stressful Is Flying?
For the most part, Baby Boomers report a rather stress-free
air travel experience, however, 23% report feeling nervous
about flying in general.
Overall Stress Level Fear Of Flying

Stressful (T2B) 14% Nervous (T2B)
23%
39% of those
Neutral
25%
16% Neutral who had a
stressful
experience
have a fear
Not Stressful Relaxed (B2B)
(B2B)
61% 61% of flying
Meaning, other factors are

also contributing to their
Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507) Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)
stress
Q9: Overall, how would you rate your most recent air Q26a: Please rate your feelings about flying.
travel experience?

Sources of Stress
In total, it would appear getting to the airport is the cause of a significant amount of stress,
however, among those who categorize their most recent trip as stressful, the general travel
stress source tends to be at the departure airport, more so than other aspects of the trip.
Source of Most Stress
Total Baby Boomer Air Travelers
25% 16% 14% 11% 34%
Getting to Airport At Departure Airport The Flight At Arrival Airport None, No Stress
Source of Most Stress By Level of Overall Trip Stress Reported

Stressful Trip 12% 31% 15% 15% 27%
(T2B)
Trip Not
27% 13% 14% 10% 36%
Stressful
(B3B)
Getting to Airport At Departure Airport The Flight At Arrival Airport None, No Stress
Of those who found their most recent
Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507) trip stressful, these 27% generally do
Q32: Thinking about your travel experience in general, what aspect of the trip tends to be most stressful? not find air travel to be stressful

Source of Stress: Getting to the Airport
Delays, both flight and airport arrival, cause Baby Boomers the most stress before
arriving at the airport.
Top 2 Box: Had Me Completely Stressed

(Total Baby Boomer Air Travelers)
Flight delays 23%
Getting to airport on time 20%
National security 16%
Packing carry-on 12%
What might be rejected at security 11%
Packing checked bag(s) 11%
Privacy during security screen 10%
Losing power on electronic device(s) 7%
Joint replacements during body scan 5%
Mobility assistance logistics 3%
What to wear on flight 3%
Other 11%
0% 10% 20% 30%

Q10: Please rate the level of stress each of the following caused you either before you left home or on your way to the airport. 5pt Scale

Source of Stress: Getting to the Airport
Among those who rated their most recent trip as stressful, it appears the stress started
right away with a worry about possible flight delays.

(By Level of Overall Trip Stress)
Flight delays 20% 42% *
Getting to airport on time 27%
19%
National security 25% *
14%
Packing carry-on 29% *
10%
What might be rejected at security 9% 25% *
Packing checked bag(s) 23% *
9%
Privacy during security screen 27% *
8%
7%
Joint replacements during body scan 3% 16% *
Mobility assistance logistics 4% T2B Stressful B3B Not stressful
3%
(n=73) (n=434)
What to wear on flight 9% *
2%
Other 22%
8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Q10: Please rate the level of stress each of the following caused you either before you left home or on your way to the airport. 5pt Scale
* Significantly different at a 95% confidence level
Behaviors Prior to Airport Arrival
The majority of Baby Boomers keep an eye on flight status via electronic options (website, email, text).
Boomers travel to the airport using a personal vehicle or hitching a ride with friends/family.
Boomers arrive at the airport with plenty of time before their flight; well over half (66%) say they allow at least 2 hours.
Monitoring Flight Status Getting to the Airport Arrival Before Flight
Website 43% Drove own car 46%

Over 2 hrs 30%
Email
33%
notifications Friend/ family 36%
Text
25%
notifications Cab 7% 2 hrs 36%
Apps 16%
Shuttle 5%
Called 800# 7%
Uber/ 1.5 hrs 23%
Phone call 3%
4% car service
from airline
Subway/ metro 2%
Other 1%
1 hr or less 11%
Did not monitor 23% Other 1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 0% 20% 40% 60% 0% 20% 40%

Q11: How did you keep up with the status of your flight Q12a: How did you get from your home to the airport? Q13: How early did you arrive at the airport?
prior to arriving at the airport?

Sources of Stress: At the Airport
Upon arriving at the airport, getting through airport security is mentioned more often than
any other aspect of the airport experience for causing stress.

Getting through security 18%
Getting to gate in time to board 11%
Check in/ boarding pass 11%
Ability to hear gate announcements 11%
Waiting to board 11%
Delayed flight 10%
Finding gate 9%
Healthy food options 8%
Finding seat at gate 7%
Gate relocation 7%
Finding bathroom 6%
Parking car 6%
Find departure gate info 6%
Interacting w/ gate agent 4%
Entertaining children 2%
Other 7%
0% 10% 20%
Q15: Please rate the level of stress each of the following caused you once you arrived at the airport, prior to boarding your flight. 5pt Scale

Sources of Stress: At the Airport
Among those reporting the highest level of stress during their most recent air travel trip, getting through
security tops the list, followed by checking in, a delayed flight and waiting to board.

Getting through security 16% 31%
Getting to gate in time to board 10% 19% *
Check in/ boarding pass 9% 26%
22%
*
Ability to hear gate announcements 9%
Waiting to board * 25%
8% *
Delayed flight 8% 26%
*
Finding gate 7% 20%
15%
*
Healthy food options 7% *
Finding seat at gate 7% 9%
Gate relocation 6% 15%
11% *
Finding bathroom 6%
Parking car 6% 8%
Find departure gate info 4% 16%
*
Interacting w/ gate agent 3% 10% T2B Stressful B3B Not stressful
Entertaining children 1%2% * (n=73) (n=434)
Other 4% 17%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Q15: Please rate the level of stress each of the following caused you once you arrived at the airport, prior to boarding your flight. 5pt Scale
Pre-Board Preparation
Since most Baby Boomers check luggage and do so at the counter, it is no surprise that
about half are also obtaining their boarding pass on-site at the airport.
Just over one-third (38%) are TSA Pre-Check approved to expedite security screening.
60% Obtaining Boarding Pass Checking Luggage Security Privileges

51%
40% 79%
30% 30% Checked
21%
20%
14% Curbside Counter Gate
38%
5%
25% 72% 3%
0%
On-site Desk Kiosk Web Email App
Base: Boomers with Checked Luggage (n=400)
(NET) attendant
Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507) Q18: Were you TSA Pre-Check on this
Q17a: Did you check any luggage at the airport? last flight, allowing you to side-step the
Q16: How did you check in and obtain your boarding pass? Q17b: Where at the airport did you check your bags? standard security screening process?

Pre-Board Behaviors
Airport screens are heavily used to monitor flight status.
Whether they go directly to the gate or not, Baby Boomers eventually arrive at their
gate and wait to board; as opposed to getting there just in time.
Monitoring Flight Status Getting to the Gate
Airport screens 66% Went straight to gate (NET) 54%
Gate attendants 21%
And waited to board 48%
Text notifications 9%
Apps 7% Just in time to board 6%
Website 5% Did not go straight to gate (NET);
Shopped/Ate First
46%
Email notifications 4%
Phone call from airline 1% But still waited to board 40%
Called 800#
<1% Got to gate just in time to board 4%
Other 1%
Did not monitor 16% Other 2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 0% 20% 40% 60%

Q21: How did you keep up with the status of your flight one you were at the airport? Q19: After you passed through security, which of the following did you do?

Airport Amenities Used
When passing time in the airport, Baby Boomers are most likely to purchase portable items
such as food, drinks, and sundries. Approximately one-third choose to sit down at a
restaurant or bar.
80%
Passing the Time in the Airport
64%
60%
49%
40%
32%
28% 28%
20%
11% 11% 12%
6% 7%
1%
0% <1%
Bought To-go food/ Sundries Ate/Drank At a At a bar Shopped At retail For Visited a Got a Other
items drinks (NET) restaurant (NET) store electronics lounge massage
(NET)
Base: Boomers who did not go straight to their gate after security (n=232)
Q20: What did you do within the airport prior to boarding your flight?

Sources of Stress: The Flight
During the flight, the lack of legroom tops the list of stressors for Baby Boomers.

Lack of legroom 23%
Turbulence 16%
Reclined chair in front of me 16%
Crying children 14%
Finding space for carry-on 14%
Loud/ rude passengers 10%
Seat location 9%
Person next to me 9%
Flight delayed after boarding 9%
Temperature on plane 6%
Rude flight attendants 4%
Other 5%
0% 10% 20% 30%

Q27: Please rate the level of stress each of the following potential issues caused you during your flight. 5pt Scale

Sources of Stress: The Flight
A lack of legroom appears to be the primary in-flight stress cause for Baby Boomers
reporting a stressful air travel experience.

Lack of legroom 20% 38%*
Turbulence 15% 24%
Reclined chair in front of me 14% 24%
Crying children 13% 26% *
Finding space for carry-on 12% 25% *
Loud/ rude passengers 9% 19% *
Seat location 8% 19% *
Person next to me 9% 11%
Flight delayed after boarding 7% 22% *
Temperature on plane 5% 10%
Losing power on electronic device(s) 8% T2B Stressful B3B Not stressful
3%
Rude flight attendants 2% 11% * (n=73) (n=434)
Other 3% 6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
Q27: Please rate the level of stress each of the following potential issues caused you during your flight.
In-Flight Activities
Most Baby Boomers occupy themselves on the plane without the aid of electronics.
Passing the Time on the Flight
Read 69% Talk 57% Eat/Drink 54% Sleep 44%

46% To companion
17% To stranger
Watch 31% Listen 16% Connect 13% Work 3%

23% In-flight
10% Personal
Other = 4%
Dont remember = 1%
Q28: What activities did you partake in while on your flight to your destination?

Sources of Stress: The Arrival City
While the level of stress at the arrival city is relatively low, 14% of Baby Boomers report
stress while waiting for their bags.

Waiting for bags 14%
Lost bags 10%
Finding transportation 10%
Deplaning 8%
Finding baggage claim 7%
Language barriers 5%
Other 5%
0% 10% 20%
Q29: Please rate the level of stress each of the following potential issues caused upon arrival at your destination. 5pt Scale

Sources of Stress: The Arrival City
Among those who reported a stressful air travel experience, it didnt appear to ease up
upon arriving at their destination, with many aspects of the arrival causing them stress.

Waiting for bags 26% *
12%
Lost bags 19% *

8%
Finding transportation 22% *

8%
Deplaning 20% *
6%
Finding baggage claim 20% *

5%
Language barriers 9%
4% T2B Stressful B3B Not stressful
(n=73) (n=434)
Other 14%
3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Q29: Please rate the level of stress each of the following potential issues caused upon arrival at your destination.
Luggage & Transportation at Destination
The majority of Baby Boomers handle their own luggage.
One-third of Baby Boomers rely on friends or family to pick them up at their
destination airport.
Assistance with Luggage Transportation Leaving Airport

Friend/ family 31%
On site car rental 17%
29%
Shuttle 13%
36%
Had Assistance Cab 12%
(NET) Car rental shuttle 11%
6%
3% 64% Hotel shuttle 8%
No Assistance
Subway/ metro 2%
Uber/ Car service 2%
No assistance
Other assistance Other 5%
Porter
Companion 0% 20% 40%
Base: Boomers who checked bags (n=400) Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)
Q30: Did you have any help in getting your bags? Q31: Leaving the airport, what was your primary means of transportation?

Detailed Findings:
Suggestions for Improvement

At the Airport
Suggestions for improvements at the airports include more gate seating, faster security
lines, and less expensive food items.
Airport Improvement Suggestions
Seating (NET) 14%
More seating 7% A few more seats. There is never
Comfortable seating enough for all people flying on one
4%
flight especially to hear the
Customer Service (NET) 14% announcements if there are delays.
Better/more TSA agents 5%
More agents 3%
Offer food at a more
Friendlier 3% affordable cost.
Improved disability assistance 2%
Security (NET) 11% If the prices for basic goods were a little
cheaper at the airport. A bottle of water is
Faster lines 8% almost the same as the price of a bottle of
More/better security 2% wine. Do something about it!
More prescreening 1%
Having more security
Price (NET) 10% agents available at busiest
Less expensive (food, drink) 5% times.
Free Wi-Fi 2% Note: Only NETS of 10%+ reported
0% 10% 20%
Q35: Thinking back on your time in airports, prior to boarding your flight, what, if anything, could airports do differently or better to make it a more enjoyable
experience for you and your travel companions?

On the Flight
Suggestions for improvements on the airlines focus on comfort, more specifically, better
seats with more room and some mentions of wanting more food options.
Flight Improvement Suggestions
Comfort (NET) 29%
More leg room 13%

More room between seats: front, back and
sides. Too close to strangers. Provide fresher
Bigger/comfortable seats 7% air. Provide good snacks!
More room (general) 5%
Better overhead storage Less seats, more More leg room, more
3%
room. space for carry-ons (or at
least monitor those whose
Food (NET) 10% carry on is too big).
Free food/drink 8% Go back to supplying a light

snack and a soda for free.
Better food 2%
Note: Only NETS of 10%+ reported
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
Q36: Thinking back on your flight experience, this includes boarding, deplaning, and your time in-flight, what, if anything, could the airlines do differently or better
to make it a more enjoyable experience for you and your travel companions?

Personal Travel Tips
Dress comfortably, Bring an empty Check baggage and Get there early, pick seat
bring a book, wash water bottle and fill it pay for extra leg in advance, try to get non-
your hands. up once past security. room. stop flights.
Pack less and get to Relax! If you forget

Just use carry-on anything, you can replace Stay calm, it all
the airport early to
luggage if possible. it at your destination. works out.
relax. Have fun.

Q37: Thinking about what you have gotten good at when it comes to air travel, what are some of your own personal travel tips you can share with others to make
air travel less stressful and more enjoyable?

Detailed Findings:
Generational Differences

How Stressful Is Flying?
The younger generations have higher levels of travel stress and nervous feelings about
flying compared to Baby Boomers.
According to the American Psychological Association, Millennials report more stress overall
compared to any other generation.
(Source: Why Millennials Are So Stressed And What To Do About It, Psychology Today, September 2015)
Overall Stress Level Fear Of Flying

14%
29% * 23% * 31% * 23%
38% *
Stressful (T2B) 25% 16%
Nervous (T2B)
30% 22%
27%
Neutral 20%
Neutral
Not Stressful
61% * 62% *
44% 47% Relaxed (B2B) 42% 47%
(B2B)
Millennials GenX Baby Millennials GenX Baby

(n=223) (n=219) Boomers (n=223) (n=219) Boomers
(n=507) (n=507)
Base: Generational Leisure Air Traveler Respondents (n=949) Base: Generational Leisure Air Traveler Respondents (n=949)
Q9: Overall, how would you rate your most recent air travel experience? Q26a: Please rate your feelings about flying.
* Significant difference between generations at a 95% confidence level

Pre-Board Behaviors
Millennials tend to arrive at the airport with less time to spare, compared to Baby
Boomers, and go straight to their gate after passing security.
Arrival Before Flight Getting to the Gate
16%
Over 2 hrs 28%*
30%* 70% *
Went
straight to gate
64%*
33%
2 hrs 39% 54%
36%
31%*
1.5 hrs 26%
23%
30%
Millennials (n=223) Did not go Millennials (n=223)
36%
20% *
straight to gate
GenX (n=219) * GenX (n=219)
1 hr or less 7% 46%
11% Baby Boomers (n=507) Baby Boomers (n=507)
0% 20% 40% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Base: Generational Leisure Air Traveler Respondents (n=949)
Q13: How early did you arrive at the airport? Q19: After you passed through security, which of the following did you do?

Pre-Board Preparations
Millennials are more likely to check in at a kiosk and less likely to do so via the web.
While there are no real differences between the generations regarding whether they
check luggage, the younger generations are more likely than Boomers to check at the
gate.
Obtaining Boarding Pass Checking Luggage
Baby Boomers (n=507) GenX (n=219) Millennials (n=223)
70% 67%*
80%
58% Checked
60%
51%
50%
Baby Boomers (n=507) GenX (n=219) Millennials (n=223)
40% 37% 80% 72%67%
31% 66%
30% *
30% *
30%
30% 27% * 60%
25%
21%
20% 40%
15% 14% 14% 25%25%23%
9% 8% 20% *
*8% 11%
10% 5% 5% 3%
0%
0% Curbside At counter/Kiosk At gate
On-site (NET) Desk Kiosk Web Email App
attendant
Base: Generational Leisure Air Traveler Respondents (n=949) Q17a: Did you check any luggage at the airport?
Q16: How did you check in and obtain your boarding pass? Q17b: Where at the airport did you check your bags?
Travel Apps
Millennials use travel apps more than any other generation. Google tops their list of
favorites while GenX and Boomers prefer airline specific apps.
App Usage - % Yes Popular Apps

(Among App Users)
Millennials (n=139) GenX (n=105) Baby Boomers (n=172)
60% 56%* 55%*
Millennials
62% * 40%
40% *
34% 34%
GenX
48% *
19%
Boomers 20%
13%13% 12%
34% 10% 8%9% 10%8%
6% 6%8%5%
0%
Airline specific Google FlightAware FlightStats Trip it: Trip Gate Guru
Planner
Base: Millennials (n=223); GenX

(n=219); Baby Boomers (n=507)
Q33: Which of the following travel apps, if any, did you use during air travel?

In-Flight Activities
Millennials are more likely than Baby Boomers and GenXers to stay entertained on
the flight with electronics and connectivity.
Passing the Time on the Flight
Millennials (n=223) GenX (n=219) Baby Boomers (n=507)

80%
69%*
57%*
60% 54%* 54%*
47% 45%
43% 42% 44%
41% 42% 39% 40% * *
40% 37% 36%34%
31% 30%*
20% 16%
13%13%
6%*
3% 3%
0%
Read Eat/Drink Talk Sleep Watch Listen Connect Work
Base: Generational Leisure Air Traveler Respondents (n=949)

Q28: What activities did you partake in while on your flight to your destination? * Significant difference between generations at a 95% confidence level

Other Generational Differences
Millennials GenX Baby Boomers
Base: 223 219 507
When they travel
Spring 26% 34% 38% *
Summer 30% * 20% 17%
Fall 9% 14% 21% *
Winter/Holiday 35% * 32% * 24%
Where they go
Domestic 71% 80% * 78% *
International 29% * 20% 22%
Who travels solo
Took trip alone 12% 17% 25% *
How they get to airport
Own car 36% 48% * 46% *
Friend/family 44% * 33% 36%
Cab 4% 9% * 7%
Uber/Car service 11% * 4% 3%
Other 6% 6% 7%
Who flies through security
TSA Pre-Check (% yes) 31% * 23% 37% *
Who is connected
WiFi usage in airport (free) 72% * 65% * 56%
WiFi usage in airport (paid) 6% * 3% 1%
Who needs a charge
Needed to power device in airport 41% * 35% * 19%

Appendix

Methodology
Members Non-Members
A 15-minute online survey was conducted Base 487 729
among males and females, 18+, who have Gender
traveled by air for a leisure trip in the past Male 255 346
Female 232 383
year.
Age
Millennial 0 223
The survey was in field from April 26 May
GenX 23 196
10, 2016.
Baby Boomer 301 206
A total of n=1,216 surveys were completed; Other 163 104
final counts are detailed in the table to the Ethnicity
right.
Caucasian/Other 310 407
Final data has been weighted to U.S.
African American 83 134
Census, by generation, for analysis. Hispanic 75 109
Asian 19 79
The analysis focuses on the Air Travel
Region
experiences of Baby Boomers (n=507) Northeast 86 131
Midwest 97 152
South 190 285
West 114 161

Research Team
This research was designed and executed by 50+ Research:
AARP Research, 50+ Research

Vicki Gelfeld, Research Advisor vgelfeld@aarp.org
Patty David, Sr Research Advisor/Team Lead pdavid@aarp.org
In partnership with:

Air Travel by Generations Res Life

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Travel Research:

Air Travel by Generations

AARP RESEARCH | AARP.ORG/RESEARCH | 2016 AARP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2016 Air Travel

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Incidence of Air Travel Time of Year

Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)

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Total Travelers: Spouse/Sig Other 60%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)

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Destination 78% 22%

Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)

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Airport Mobility Assistance Used

No assistance needed 93%

Assistance needed (NET) 7%

Motorized passenger cart 1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

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Devices Traveled With Use of Airport Wi-Fi

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60% 56% Popular Apps

Base: Boomers Who Used a Travel App (n=172)

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Overall Stress Level Fear Of Flying

Meaning, other factors are

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25% 16% 14% 11% 34%

Source of Most Stress By Level of Overall Trip Stress Reported

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Top 2 Box: Had Me Completely Stressed

0% 10% 20% 30%

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Top 2 Box: Had Me Completely Stressed

Monitoring Flight Status Getting to the Airport Arrival Before Flight

Website 43% Drove own car 46%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 0% 20% 40% 60% 0% 20% 40%

Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)

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Top 2 Box: Had Me Completely Stressed

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Top 2 Box: Had Me Completely Stressed

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

60% Obtaining Boarding Pass Checking Luggage Security Privileges

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0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 0% 20% 40% 60%

Base: Total Baby Boomer Leisure Air Travelers (n=507)

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Top 2 Box: Had Me Completely Stressed

0% 10% 20% 30%

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Top 2 Box: Had Me Completely Stressed

Passing the Time on the Flight

Read 69% Talk 57% Eat/Drink 54% Sleep 44%

Watch 31% Listen 16% Connect 13% Work 3%

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