CivicScience data consistently shows that Gen Z is a generation with distinct tastes and preferences, and the same is true when it comes to travel. This age group has a passion for traveling for fun and is much more likely to plan trips than the average American.
Take a closer look at these travelers through the lens of CivicScience InsightStore™.
1. For Gen Z, spring break is like a bright, sunny day.
For Gen Z, spring break is in full swing. A whopping 71% of adults aged 18 to 24 say they plan to travel in the next month, compared to 55% of pop-age adults who have similar plans. Nearly 30% plan to travel by plane, nearly 10 points higher than Gen Pop. These passengers will likely book American Airlines because it ranks as the top airline among Gen Z.
2. Beach vacations are a Gen Z win.
Because Gen Z is passionate about travel, they are more likely than the Pop generation to go on almost any type of vacation. Topping the list is a beach/lake vacation, with 31% saying they have or are planning to take this type of vacation (equivalent to Gen Pop). They are also adventurous in their travel choices. They love visiting amusement parks, going on cruises, camping, and doing outdoor activities.
Take our survey: What is your ideal summer vacation?
3. Gen Z is moving abroad.
Americans are most likely to travel domestically this year, but Gen Z is leading the way in international travel. More than a quarter of travelers aged 18 to 24 the most important Similar to last year's holiday travel data, this year's trip will involve flying somewhere overseas, compared to 18% of the general generation (who are more likely to drive).
4. Rising prices for checked baggage are hitting Gen Z hard.
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines are among the airlines that have recently raised checked baggage fees, and data from Civic Science shows that Gen Z is more likely to be affected. About 80% of Gen Z travelers are at least “somewhat” concerned about rising prices for checked baggage, compared to 74% of Gen Z travelers. Their increased concern may be because they travel more frequently than Gene Pops.
As a result, Gen Z is most likely to use a carry-on instead of a carry-on, and then look for another airline or mode of transportation.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If the airline charges extra for checked baggage, would you try to pack everything in your carry-on? ✈️
5. Gen Z buys new clothes, shoes, and bags for traveling.
For Gen Z, traveling means buying new clothes and bags. 45% of Gen Z travelers plan to buy clothes, shoes, and bags in the next month (10 percentage points higher than average generation travelers). This is also consistent with recent Civic Science data showing that Gen Z plans to spend more on clothing next month.
Overall, travel companies need to focus on Gen Z. They are big travelers who love adventures such as visiting amusement parks, outdoor activities, camping, and cruising. They go abroad more often than the average person and often pack their suitcases with new clothes and shoes. Because they travel frequently, they are price sensitive when it comes to increased prices for checked baggage. This generation exhibits similar behaviors in other areas of life, such as grocery shopping, and is more likely to look for better alternatives on price.
Interested in seeing insights like this from a customer perspective? CivicScience InsightStore™ has over 500,000 traversable questions that reveal unexpected insights. Learn how we can help you streamline your consumer research here.
