More Americans Are Flying Than Ever Before

Ever since travel was halted during the coronavirus pandemic, people have realized that they want to go and explore the world, with many jumping on the revenge travel trend. This has led to high demand for travel, with more Americans flying now than ever before. So, what does this increased interest mean for the travel industry?  More importantly, how will this demand affect your vacation plans? 

Here’s what we think you should know:

How Many Americans Have Flown Commercially?

With more people wanting to travel in recent years, the amount of Americans who have flown commercially has increased substantially. In fact, more Americans have now flown commercially than ever before. According to TravelPulse, 90% of Americans have taken at least one commercial flight in their lifetime. This is an excellent sign for the travel industry, as it means more people are wanting to take trips.

How Much Money is the Airline Industry Expected to Make in 2023?

When travel reached a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic, many companies (particularly the airline industry) took a financial hit. Airlines struggled to make a profit, and many have been struggling for a while now. Fortunately, airlines are expected to make a substantial amount of money this year (in 2023, air carriers are expected to record a net profit of nearly $4.7 billion), which would be the first time that air carriers have made a net profit since 2019.

How Much Has the Demand For Travel Increased?

Many Americans plan on traveling the same amount in 2023 as they did in 2022, if not more. This can be seen in a survey conducted by Forbes Advisor, where 38% of Americans stated that they would travel about the same amount in 2023 as they did in 2022, and 40% said that they would travel more in 2023 than in 2022. It seems like the demand for travel (especially for Americans) isn’t going to slow down anytime soon.

Where Are Americans Traveling?

When it comes to which destinations are popular amongst Americans, it seems to be a mix of domestic and international destinations. According to Airport Parking Reservations.com Blog, the most popular destinations for Americans in 2023 are: 

The Top 5 International Travel Destinations For Americans:

1. Japan
2. Mexico
3. Italy
4. Greece
5. Thailand

The Top 5 Domestic Travel Destinations For Americans:

1. Michigan
2. Hawaii
3. New York
4. Florida
5. Pennsylvania

Is Travel More Expensive in 2023?

With a higher travel demand comes more expensive travel costs. The cost of lodging, transportation, food, and even tickets for attractions are up, and there’s no sign of these costs decreasing anytime soon. If you do plan on taking a trip, some things that you can do to save money include:

• Cook your own meals whenever possible.
• Book airfare, lodging, and tickets in advance.
• Take public transportation instead of renting a vehicle.
• Check which airport is the cheapest to fly into.
• Travel during the offseason instead of during peak times.
• Set a daily spending limit and do your best to stick to it.
• Use your credit card points to book your travel.
• Take advantage of free tourist attractions.
• Look for deals on travel websites such as Hopper.
• Avoid tourist traps.

Where Can I Get a Passport or Visa For My Trip?

If you have an upcoming trip planned and need a passport or visa, Swift can help! You can get the application process started on our website with just a few steps. We’ve done all that we can to ensure our process is easier for busy travelers, like you. Wherever your next trip takes you, we wish you happy and safe travels!