NextGen flyers buy travel, take trips differently

To say technology affects the way people buy travel and take trips understates the case - especially when it comes to Next Generation flyers.

The NEXgen Traveler™ survey by PhoCusWright and Ypartnership delved into the habits of “active users” of cutting-edge computer and entertainment technology. What they found is flat out fascinating:

- Next generation travelers are highly educated. 30 percent of them possess a four-year college degree; 20 percent have attended at least a year of graduate school;
- These folks are affluent. 30 percent of households have annual incomes above $100,000;
- Tech-savvy flyers are just as likely to be Echo Boomers (18 to 28 years old), as well as Baby Boomers 43 to 61). That blows out of the water the belief that the users of new are primarily younger travelers;

- NextGeners have a real zeal for travel. 75 percent of them would travel more - if they had more money. 62 percent would take more trips if they just had more time;
- These travelers spend, on average, 50 percent more on travel services than their less tech-savvy counterparts.

“The data paint a fascinating picture of the manner in which emerging technology has re-shaped the attitudes and behavior of contemporary travelers,” says PhoCusWright President and CEO Phillip C. Wolf. “It's clear that [they] display a significantly different market profile than those who are less wired.”

Equally interesting is the way they're wired:

- Seven out of ten of these travelers employ the Internet to search for travel information. 41 percent have gone on a virtual tour of their destination, and 38 percent put together their trip itinerary online;
- 58 percent say the “ability to check the best fares/rates” ranks as most important when it comes to a travel Web site;
- 37 percent are influenced by personal comments on social networking or travel advisory Web sites;
- A full third-33 percent-have, themselves, put together and posted an online travel review.

Take a close look at these numbers. They're likely to reflect the face of the folks you'll be sitting beside to on your next trip.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler