Economic concerns and global tensions are forcing travelers to rethink their summer plans as booking windows shrink and cost-consciousness rises.
The news: Weaker-than-expected travel demand is driving JetBlue Airways to launch cost-cutting measures, including eliminating underperforming routes, ending service in some cities, halting nonessential aircraft refreshes, and restructuring its leadership team, per Bloomberg. Our take: Macro uncertainty is compounding the pressures on already struggling companies—whether it’s JetBlue, auto parts maker Marelli, or home furnishings retailer At Home—as each grapples with weakened demand, rising costs, and limited financial flexibility.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how anti-US sentiment, live tourism, and tariffs are all shaping people’s 2025 summer travel plans. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President of Research Jennifer Pearson and Analyst Rachel Wolff. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
The news: Hotel companies are expanding their upscale offerings to capitalize on strong demand for unique and customized accommodations among affluent consumers. Our take: Luxury and lifestyle brands are weathering economic ambiguity better than economy lodging. This divergence indicates that upscale, experiential offerings will be more resilient, while economy hotels face headwinds from cost-conscious consumers.
Chinese consumers’ travel spending softened during a recent holiday: That’s a clear sign that confidence is strained due to trade tensions with the US.
The summer travel season will look very different this year: More trips are planned, but vacations will be shorter and cheaper.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what traveler media can do that retail media can’t, what makes travelers more receptive to personalized ads, and the possibilities that emerge once fast, free WiFi becomes ubiquitous on planes. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Principal Analyst Sarah Marzano, and the CEO of MileagePlus, United Airlines Richard Nunn. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
International boycotts of US brands and travel could cost the economy up to $90 billion: Rising anti-American sentiment caused by Trump’s policies is making it harder for companies to operate at home and abroad.
Delta expects 2025 to be a bumpy ride: Travel demand is cratering as the Trump administration’s policies create chaos and consumers brace for a recession.
Sluggish spending in February signals a challenging year: Consumers are curbing discretionary spending as sentiment plunges to the lowest level in over two years.
50% of US adults are likely to cut back on spending at fast food restaurants if tariffs lead to higher prices, according to a February 2025 CivicScience survey.
We look at how issuers can adjust their strategies to match millennial and Gen Z travel behaviors.
By blocking bad bookings and prepping personalized travel planning tools, Airbnb is turning its data into both a policy enforcer and a future revenue engine.
News and magazine apps have the highest engagement score in North America, with 29% of monthly active users coming back daily, according to a September 2024 Airship survey.
By now, all the largest airlines and hotels have mature credit card portfolios. Delta Air Lines, for example, had upward of 7.5 million cardholders in 2023, per View from the Wing. But even airlines with smaller US footprints have gotten in on the action. Low-cost carrier Breeze, founded in 2021, launched a co-brand in partnership with Barclays in March 2024.
China manufacturing activity contracts ahead of Lunar New Year: While the blip may stem from holiday closures, it’s a worrying sign as the threat of tariffs looms large.
Airlines expect robust travel demand in 2025: United and Alaska echoed Delta’s bullish forecast following record Q4 performances.
Delta expects 2025 to be its best year yet: The airline is confident travel demand will soar as wealthy consumers and business travelers increase spending.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss which hotel guest behaviors do people think are most acceptable and unacceptable, the first ad on every media type, how American households look today compared to the 1960s, and more. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Blake Droesch, and Vice Presidents of Content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna.
American Airlines earned almost $1 billion in loyalty reward revenues in Q3 2024, which made up over 7.2% of its total operating revenue, according to public filings.