Travel Behaviors, Predictions and Concerns

Posted by AMC Global on Sep 10, 2020 4:00:00 AM

Consumer Travel Behaviors, Predictions and Concerns During COVID-19


Ongoing AMC Global research looks at American attitudes toward air travel, car ride services and hotel stays

In this seventeenth wave of our ongoing study with OpinionRoute, we focused on Americans’ travel behaviors during the pandemic—and predicted travel plans for the remainder of 2020. Drastic drops in travel were uncovered in the study, particularly for air travel and hotels/motels, with some potential recovery predicted for the fourth quarter of 2020. Travel concerns cited by respondents include the cleanliness of hotel/motel rooms and the idea of being in confined spaces of planes and cars.

You can see a full representation of the travel behavior data here or click on the callout below.

AMC Global Consumer Travel Behavior

Key findings for the week of September 7:

  • During COVID-19, 21% of Americans will not consider traveling by airplane, 36% are hesitant to travel by air, and 21% say their attitude is unchanged about airplane travel during the pandemic.

  • Some of the top concerns regarding air travel included being in a confined space with other people (46%), not wanting to be quarantined upon arrival at destination or at home (37%), and not wanting to risk exposure for self, friends and family (34%).

  • Only 21% of respondents stayed in a hotel or motel June-August 2020 (compared to 50% in the same time period last year). Top concerns about hotel/motel stays included the room not being thoroughly cleaned (60%), other people in the room touching belongings (39%), and potential interaction with other people in the hallways and common areas (34%).

  • Fifty-three percent of respondents are planning to visit family and friends before the end of 2020, and 37% plan to stay in a hotel/motel during the remainder of the year.

A complete graphical representation of the travel response data can be found here. New results and findings will be released on September 24. 

Learning more about current and predicted consumer behavior can help you and your brand pivot to meet your audiences effectively in the marketplace. Think about increasing your target audience understanding through shopper research, reach out to us to get started.