Qantas, Australia’s largest domestic and international airline, has released new findings from its first-ever U.S. Consumer Trends Travel Survey showing most Americans would consider long haul international travel during the U.S. winter, citing a change in weather and an opportunity to experience how other cultures celebrate the holidays as reasons why.
According to the survey, commissioned by Qantas and conducted online by Harris Poll, of more than 2000 U.S. adults, nearly 4 in 5 Americans (79%) would consider taking a long distance international trip during winter, and among those who would, nearly half (47%) would consider it seeking a change in weather.
Additionally, the survey found:
- Among those who would consider long distance international travel during the winter, nearly half citied wanting to experience how another culture celebrates the holidays (46% or an estimated 85 million1 adults) and treating themselves for the holidays (45% or 83 million2 adults) as reasons to consider this type of travel
- Roughly one third (34% or 63 million3 adults) say escaping the traditional holiday routine would be a reason to consider this type of travel
- Long distance international winter travel consideration was most popular among adults ages 18-34 (88%) and 35-44 (87%), followed by those 45-54 (80%), 55-64 (74%) and 65+ (62%)
- Ninety percent of parents of children under 18 said they would consider traveling long distance internationally during the winter
- Parents of children under 18 seem to value comfort during travel as well, with 92% noting that comfort during the trip would be an important factor when choosing an international travel destination
The findings support Qantas’ traveler trends with December to February being one of the busiest periods for international travel. During this time the market sees a five percent increase in the number of travelers between the U.S. and Australia, with a thirty percent spike in the number of travelers between the two countries in January.
Qantas Senior Executive Vice President of the Americas, New Zealand, Pacific Islands & Japan, Stephen Thompson, said Australia is the perfect place to escape the U.S. winter.
“We see a steady increase in the number of U.S. travelers heading Down Under during this time, with many seeking out Sydney’s great beaches, Melbourne’s outdoor café dining and laneway shopping boutiques and following the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The exchange rate also makes it the perfect time to travel, as the strength of the USD vs AUD means the cost of a vacation in Australia has dropped about 30%.”
“Qantas offers connections to almost 60 destinations across the country, providing great options to experience some amazing places in regional Australia too – like watching the sunset over Uluru in Central Australia, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and surfing Western Australia’s famous southern coastline.”
“And with Qantas your Australian vacation starts the moment you step on board. Our menus feature great Australian produce and suppliers such as Skull Island tiger prawns, local handmade chocolates and limited edition Penfolds wines, with our crew offering the warm Australian service and hospitality we are renowned for,” said Mr. Thompson.
Qantas flies to Australia from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth, and Honolulu. Once in Australia, Qantas’ offers the country’s largest domestic and regional network with 4,200 services per week to almost 60 destinations and more than 550 Qantas operated services per week between Australia and almost 26 international destinations.
The expanded codeshare partnership with American Airlines allows customers to use their AAdvantage miles to purchase flights on eligible routes, apply for upgrades, and continue earning points on their travel around Australia.
