Survey: 57% of American Travelers Arrive Early to Enjoy the Airport

Something has changed how Americans view airports. More Americans are arriving at airports early, according to a new survey. Travelers are arriving early not because they fear missing their flights, but because they actually enjoy the experience.

Enjoying the Airport

In a survey conducted on September 21 by Send My Bag, a luggage shipping and delivery company, 57% of the 1,000 American respondents said they arrived at the airport with plenty of time to enjoy its amenities. Respondents said they eat, shop, visit lounges and enjoy other airport amenities while waiting for their flights.

Send My Bag founder and CEO Adam Ewart believes the average flyer is looking for ways to maximize the travel experience as travel-related fees rise.

This summer, passengers saw a widespread increase in checked baggage fees among US airlines. Last month, United Airlines began offering a lower-tier first-class option with more restrictions.

Ewart said, “You’re worried about additional charges and so on, and that’s obviously very stressful.” He added, “It seems like the airports are just trying to swing it right back around the other way.” 

Some airports have also introduced more entertainment and shopping options. At Denver International Airport, travelers can enjoy an outdoor skating rink during the winter. Meanwhile, Portland International Airport features a microcinema.

Lounge Access

Ewart also pointed out that credit cards are offering lounge access, allowing passengers to spend more leisure time at airports. Lounges are no longer reserved solely for frequent flyers and passengers with elite status.

Some lounges offer an especially luxurious experience. Delta One ticket holders can access Delta One Lounges. According to experts, the global airport lounge market is expected to grow from $5 billion in 2025 to $20 billion in 2034.

Choosing Not Just the Airline

In the same survey, almost 60% of passengers said they consider not only the airline but also the airport they depart from when traveling. 

Some 28.3% of travelers choose certain airports because they are easier to navigate. Another 26.1% chose airports because they offer more comfortable spaces.

Ewart said, “(Airports are) no longer just trying to grab a quick something on the move; it’s just designed, I think, to hold you there.” He added, “The longer you’re in the airport, the more likely you are to wander around the boutiques and buy something or the duty-free and buy something or, you know, spend money otherwise.”