A recent SITA report, the 2024 Passenger IT Insights, reveals that air travel is surging, with predictions of 8 billion global passengers by 2040. Amid this growth, travelers are increasingly turning to technology to enhance their travel experiences. The survey, conducted with over 7,000 passengers across 25 countries, highlighted several key findings.
A significant 90% of passengers utilize technology for bookings, and many rely on mobile devices during their travel. Notably, 75% are comfortable storing their passports on their phones, indicating a strong acceptance of Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs). In terms of airport experience, 64% of passengers express a desire for shorter waiting lines, with biometrics identified as a potential solution to this challenge.
While 6.7 out of 10 passengers reported comfort with digital identity and biometrics, privacy concerns persist, with half expressing apprehensions regarding data security. This underscores the necessity for education and transparency about biometric technology’s safety and benefits, which adhere to strict data security standards. SITA CEO David Lavorel emphasized that the industry must inform travelers about the advanced security measures in biometrics to foster acceptance and trust.
Sustainability remains a significant concern for travelers, with passengers willing to pay an average of 11% more to offset carbon emissions and adopt behaviors like lighter baggage and slower flights to reduce their carbon footprint.
As the travel landscape evolves, passengers are demonstrating a clear preference for digital solutions that promise more efficient and environmentally conscious journeys.
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