WASHINGTON, February 10, 2026 —  Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, is pleased to announce the results of its latest annual survey, “Air Travelers in America,” conducted by Ipsos in January 2026. The report collects vital statistics about air travel and consumer preferences for all of 2025.

The full report can be viewed here.

“The vast majority of American travelers reported being satisfied with their flights in 2025. This comes as airlines continue to reinvest in products and people, improve technology and strengthen the customer experience,” said A4A Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich.

“Our polling research shows that price and convenience are top factors for travelers when choosing flights. Consumers are also taking advantage of carrier’s mobile apps and IT systems, with most flyers using their mobile apps to board flights last year,” said Ipsos Vice President, US Public Affairs, Annaleise Lohr.

2026 KEY FINDINGS:

As air travel has become safer and more affordable, more Americans have taken to the skies.

• Nearly 90% of Americans have flown commercially in their lifetime, with adults aged 18-24 having had the highest propensity to fly in 2025.
• Nearly half of American adults flew last year.
• More than two-thirds of Americans with household incomes under $50,000 have flown in their lifetime.

The vast majority of passengers were satisfied with their air travel experience in 2025.

• 72% of flyers were satisfied with their air travel experience last year.
• Only 3% were “very dissatisfied.”

Overall, when choosing which flight to take, price and schedule convenience remain the dominant consideration.

• 87% of respondents ranked price as one of their top considerations.
• 78% ranked schedule convenience as one of their top considerations.

Flyers are taking advantage of the investments carriers have made in their mobile apps and IT systems for a speedier, touch-free customer experience.

• In 2025, 82% of flyers checked in prior to arriving at the airport, versus 52% in 2019.
• More than 70% of flyers used their mobile devices to board aircraft.

Flyers are increasingly relying on social media for trip inspiration

• Social media influenced destination selection for 32% of leisure flyers last year.

About the survey

The Air Travelers in America survey was conducted Jan. 5-19, 2026, screened a national sample of 3,847 American adults (age 18 or older) via the probability-based Ipsos KnowledgePanel®.