Southwest Airlines has just revealed the results of a survey looking at Gen Z’s upcoming travel plans, habits, and what they value most when planning a trip. According to the results, a whopping 94% of Gen Z is traveling this summer, showcasing the generation’s growing dominance in the tourism industry.
When asked where Gen Z was traveling, one destination rose to the top: Las Vegas! This summer, nearly 1-in-3 (32%) Gen Z travelers said they are flying to Sin City. What’s more, if money wasn’t an object, 28% said they would still travel to Las Vegas, more than any other destination! Gen Z’s other top destinations this summer include:
- New York City, NY – 29%
- San Diego, CA – 22%
- Austin, TX – 19%
- Nashville, TN – 18%
Along with uncovering Gen Z’s top destinations for summer 2024, the survey, conducted by Pollfish, polled 1,000 Americans ages 18 through 27 on their air travel preferences. Bulleted below is a snapshot of the survey results:
- Almost a quarter of respondents (24.6%) said not having to pay for a checked bag was one of the most important things to their air travel experiences.
- When it comes to booking travel, Gen Z wants to know exactly what they’re paying for, with 39.4% of respondents saying avoiding unexpected fees was a top priority.
- Over two-thirds (63.6%) of respondents said they had extended a trip they were already on by a day or two, mostly for some extra time to relax (10% decided to stay to explore a romantic connection!).
- Nearly 1 in 3 (32%) Gen Z travelers are heading to Las Vegas this summer. 22% are going to New York, NY; 22% are off to San Diego, CA; 19% are heading to Austin, TX; and 18% are jetting to Nashville, TN.
- If they had extra room in a checked bag, 40% would pack more self-care products, and 35% would bring more snacks. The more obscure? 18% would pack art supplies (big camera, paint), and 16% would pack sporting equipment (surfboard, hiking shoes)! And 30% said they would pack their pillow.
With Southwest’s unique points of difference, including two bags fly free®1, no change or cancellation fees2, flight credits that don't expire3, and points that don't expire4, we wish all Customers happy travels this summer!
- First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply.
- If a Customer needs to change an upcoming flight itinerary, they'll only pay the difference in fare (if one applies). Failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds.
- Flight credits will be issued as long as the flight is canceled at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Flight credits don't expire and are non-transferable. For travel booked with Rapid Rewards points: starting July 1, 2023 (12:00 a.m. Central Time), for Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus reward travel reservations (booked with points): If a Customer does not cancel their reservation at least 10 minutes before the flight's original scheduled departure time, any points used for booking will be forfeited, along with any taxes and fees associated with the Customer's reward travel reservation.
- All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.
