2026 travel trends: Flights, accommodations and higher-income travelers

2026 travel trends and preferences

What does travel look like in 2026?​

Consumer preferences and expectations have shifted over the years, leading to myriad changes across the travel industry. ​

With an increase in consumer expectations, economic uncertainty and policy changes at major airlines and hotels, it can be hard for marketers to keep up and ensure messaging and campaigns are relevant, timely and engaging across channels. ​

To help you reach travelers across demographics, we surveyed consumers about how they plan and book travel today and created three insight-rich one-pagers. Download the full bundle for an overview of how consumers are booking flights and accommodations and a deep dive on higher-income travel preferences.

How consumers book flights

Consumers still want to travel in 2026, but they’re doing it through a much more value-conscious, digitally influenced and loyalty-sensitive lens, especially younger travelers, who are the clearest growth audience for international trips, AI-assisted planning and premium airport perks. ​

4 key stats about how consumers book flights

• 41% use AI when planning a vacation, especially younger generations. ​
• 19% would pay more for lounge access, priority boarding or other complementary services at the airport.​
• 45% have an airline-specific travel rewards ​credit card. ​
• 58% prefer to book flights directly ​with the provider. ​

How consumers book accommodations

Travelers expect more from accommodations in 2026.​ Travelers in 2026 choose accommodations based on trust, value and flexibility, while younger guests increasingly expect variety, personalization and experience-driven stays.​

4 key stats about how consumers book accommodations

• 80% are willing to pay ​for upgrades.​
• 44% participate in a hotel travel rewards program.​
• 55% prefer to book directly with accommodation providers. ​
• 30% are willing to pay more for high-end hotels, resorts and rentals. ​

Higher-income travel preferences and trends

Higher-income travelers lead the demand for travel in 2026. ​Despite macroeconomic challenges, higher-income travelers aren't feeling the squeeze as much as other demographics and are willing to prioritize travel.​

4 key stats about higher-income travelers

• 69% have a travel rewards credit card (nearly twice as likely as the total average). ​
• 55% plan to travel internationally in the next 12 months. ​
• 63% prioritize travel over other spending. ​
• 4 trips taken on average per year.

Ready to get the full picture? Download the full one-pager bundle to learn about:

• Updated stats on how often people across generations travel domestically and internationally.
• How people book flights, including AI usage, interest in luxury options like lounge access and priority boarding and travel rewards preferences.
• What types of accommodations people prefer when planning a vacation​, plus consumer expectations, interest in hotel loyalty programs and the impact of AI and social media on booking trends.
• The difference in how higher-income consumers approach travel planning and booking, plus how they engage with travel rewards programs.