The number of U.S. travelers expecting to fly this year is on the rise, as 93 percent intend to take a domestic flight at least once in 2014, up from 89 percent who said they flew domestically last year, according to a new survey.
The survey from TripAdvisor also revealed international air travel is also taking off, with 63 percent planning flights abroad, compared to 55 percent who did so in 2013.
“Interest in domestic and international flights continues to rise despite some persistent air travel frustrations, such as uncomfortable seats and limited leg room,” Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of TripAdvisor Flights, said in a news release. “We are also seeing some positive signs, as flyers report more streamlined check-in processes and easier booking, and the increased use of technology, such as mobile apps help the traveler experience.”
Perhaps no surprise, but more travelers are using mobile devices in conjunction with flying with 69 percent of respondents using a mobile device to check their flight status, up from 56 percent in 2013. Concurrently, 55 percent use their mobile device to check in to flights, up from 38 percent in 2013, and 48 percent research flight prices via a mobile device, up from 36 percent in 2013.
According to the survey, the top five biggest improvements in air travel over the past five years are:
- More streamlined check-in process: 38 percent
- Easier booking: 36 percent
- More streamlined security process: 32 percent
- More streamlined boarding process: 28 percent
- Better in-flight entertainment options: 25 percent
The top five flyer complaints about air travel:
- Uncomfortable seats / limited legroom: 73 percent
- Costly airline fees and ticket prices: 66 percent
- Unpredictable flight delays: 45 percent
- Long security lines: 35 percent
- Loud / crying children: 32 percent
