In a report, The New World of Travel, it says it is critical that the industry, governments and providers consider this crucial moment to redefine how travel should return.
Skyscanner’s data reveals three seismic shifts in the way that travellers are searching for flights in 2020. Searches for one-way travel peaked in March but continue to trend upward, with domestic travel intent increasing globally against a backdrop of changing travel restrictions. And amid ongoing uncertainty, travellers are also looking to get away in much shorter timeframes than ever before. Search patterns for domestic, regional and international flights indicate that recovery will be multispeed, tied to the global economy and driven by low-cost carriers.
A new, complex decision-making process has emerged amongst those willing to travel and it relates to their individual appetite for risk. Factors across five categories – health, financial, social, ethical and recreational are now top of mind. It is also shaping the demographics as male travellers (54) are more likely to book than female and those with children are more likely to book than those without (55 pc).
“Where they are able and willing, travellers are pioneering new ways to explore the world. Whether it’s shortening the timeframe in which they plan and take a trip, tackling complex risk assessments before deciding to travel, or expecting previously unseen levels of clarity to ensure confidence in their booking, the new shape of travel is emerging,’’ said Moshe Rafiah, CEO of Skyscanner.
