{"id":38182,"date":"2025-07-08T17:08:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T21:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/airportscouncil.org\/?p=38182"},"modified":"2025-07-08T17:08:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T21:08:28","slug":"tomorrows-traveler-is-already-here-are-we-ready","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/airportscouncil.org\/2025\/07\/08\/tomorrows-traveler-is-already-here-are-we-ready\/","title":{"rendered":"Tomorrow\u2019s Traveler Is Already Here\u2014Are We Ready?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By: Chris Gwilliam, SVP of Global Business Development,Airport Dimensions<\/em><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a new kind of traveler walking through our terminals\u2014and they\u2019re changing everything. At Airport Dimensions, thought our yearly research,<\/a> we\u2019ve been looking closely at how expectations are evolving, and the picture is clear: today\u2019s travelers want more than just to get from point A to point B. They want experiences that feel intentional, comfortable, and personal.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest shifts we\u2019ve seen is the rise of the affluent leisure traveler. These are people who are traveling by choice, not just necessity\u2014and they\u2019re willing to spend when the experience feels worth it. They\u2019re also the group most likely to influence how airport spaces grow and change in the years ahead.<\/p>\n

Blending business and leisure<\/strong><\/p>\n

We also can\u2019t ignore the growing bleisure trend. Nearly half (44%) of travelers say they\u2019re mixing business and leisure when they fly. That means the airport isn\u2019t just a place to pass through\u2014it\u2019s a space where people expect to get work done, grab a great meal, and maybe even unwind a little. That shift opens up a lot of possibilities for how we design and activate spaces.<\/p>\n

Feeling the crowd<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even with satisfaction on the rise, crowding is still a major concern. 60% of travelers say airports are feeling more packed than ever, and two-thirds say they\u2019d pay extra to skip the crowds. That tells me there\u2019s a real opportunity to lean into premium services\u2014whether it\u2019s lounges, fast-track lanes, or just smarter space planning.<\/p>\n

Lounges as the new standard<\/strong><\/p>\n

And speaking of lounges\u2014these aren\u2019t just \u201cnice to have\u201d anymore. 42% of travelers already use them, and 94% of loyalty program members say lounge access is something they won\u2019t give up. The demand is strong, and it\u2019s being driven by network programs and card partnerships. Airports that recognize this are going to be better positioned to meet guest expectations\u2014and create new revenue opportunities in the process.<\/p>\n

Digital is the glue<\/strong><\/p>\n

One thing that ties all of this together is digital. 81% of travelers say they\u2019d shop online at the airport if prices were better. And nearly half are already aware of digital tools, which means we have an open door to do more with loyalty, personalization, and smarter targeting. In other words: the tech is here\u2014now it\u2019s about making it meaningful.<\/p>\n

Final thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n

The traveler of tomorrow isn\u2019t really tomorrow anymore\u2014they\u2019re already here. If we\u2019re paying attention, we\u2019ve got a chance to build something better: airports that aren\u2019t just functional, but thoughtful. Places that travelers want to spend time in\u2014not just pass through.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Chris Gwilliam is SVP of Global Business Development at Airport Dimensions, leading strategic growth and partnerships across the network. With over 25 years in hospitality and multisite operations, he has played a key role in securing major airport leases and expanding the brand\u2019s global footprint.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DISCLAIMER<\/strong><\/p>\n

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and\/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and\/or without appropriate professional advice.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By: Chris Gwilliam, SVP of Global Business Development,Airport Dimensions There\u2019s a new kind of traveler walking through our terminals\u2014and they\u2019re changing everything. 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