As peak summer travel ramps up, a new survey from luggage shipping company LugLess reveals what many frequent flyers already suspect: air travel in 2025 is less about the joy of the journey and more about managing stress, cutting corners, and lowering expectations.
Based on responses from over 1,000 U.S. adults, the State of Summer Travel report shows that while demand for air travel remains high, traveller patience is wearing thin. Only 11% of Americans say they plan to fly less this year, but for those who are boarding planes, the experience is increasingly defined by anxiety, avoidance tactics, and frustration with the basics of flying.
The Airport Experience Is Driving People to Their Limits
Almost half of the respondents say they’re constantly worried about flight delays or cancellations. The same number are fed up with how long the airport process takes, and over 30% say the crowding makes them fear getting sick.
Unsurprisingly, travellers are adjusting their behaviour to minimise friction. Seventy-one percent now avoid checking bags altogether, primarily to avoid cost (36%) and hassle. Some respondents said they wear extra layers of clothing just to avoid baggage fees. When large bags are unavoidable, 59% say they’d pay $100–$200 for a luggage shipping service if it meant skipping the stress.
Thirty-five percent of respondents say the screening process causes ongoing stress throughout their trip. Thirty percent worry their expensive items will be confiscated, and 35% say TSA agents have actually tossed something of theirs. Fear of additional screening or public luggage searches is also common.
Flying Etiquette Is in Decline
Once travellers make it to the plane, tolerance drops further. The top onboard complaints include loud talking (64%), playing music or videos without headphones (57%), eating pungent food (54%), and removing shoes (46%). Seat-sharing etiquette also suffers, with half of flyers annoyed when a seatmate takes up both armrests.
Despite frustrations, 46% of Americans are planning trips between June and September. Some are even inspired by pop culture: 78% of White Lotus fans said they’ve planned or want to plan a trip based on the show’s filming locations, including Hawaii, Italy, and Thailand.
Yet, many travellers haven’t embraced technologies that could ease the experience. Sixty-nine percent don’t use Apple AirTags, despite near-universal agreement that they’re useful. AI-based travel agents are also slow to catch on, with only 38% of travellers expressing interest. Those who are curious want AI to help with bookings, itineraries, and food recommendations, but they still haven’t widely adopted the tools.