The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled its 2024 Global Passenger Survey, providing new insights into traveler behavior and preferences. This year’s findings show that travelers across the globe, and particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, prioritize convenience and are willing to embrace digital and biometric solutions to simplify their journeys.

Key Findings for Asian Travelers

The survey results highlight that Asian travelers, more than those from other regions, are focused on streamlining their travel experiences with an emphasis on cost-efficiency, digital tools, and cutting-edge technology.

Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior VP of Operations, Safety, and Security, said, “Passengers want flexibility and transparency when planning and booking travel, plus speed and convenience at the airport. More are embracing biometrics, digital wallets, and off-airport processes to make it happen.”

Planning, Booking, and Payment Preferences in Asia-Pacific

In Asia-Pacific, travelers are often price-sensitive and are early adopters of mobile and digital solutions:

• Cost Sensitivity: When selecting their departure airport, Asian travelers are more focused on finding the best ticket prices compared to other regions, indicating that affordability is key. This focus on value is particularly pronounced in areas with a rapidly expanding middle class.

• Preference for Mobile Apps: In Asia, 71% of travelers now prefer to book flights online or through mobile apps, a trend that is expected to grow as more digital tools become available. Of those, 53% choose to book through the airline’s own app or website, while 16% still prefer human interaction.

• Payment Options: While globally, 79% prefer to pay with credit or debit cards, Asia-Pacific travelers are leading in the use of digital wallets, with many adopting platforms like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and other regionally popular payment systems. This preference for digital wallets is 2 percentage points higher in Asia than in 2023, with convenience being the primary reason (70%).

Airport Experience and Biometric Technology in Asia

The survey indicates that Asian travelers are at the forefront of biometric adoption, particularly for faster and more seamless airport experiences.

• Biometric Usage: Nearly half (46%) of all global travelers have experienced biometric identification at airports, with Asia-Pacific travelers being the most likely to utilize this technology. Immigration checkpoints see the highest adoption of biometrics in this region, where travelers report a high satisfaction rate of 84%.

• Preference for Biometric Check-ins: In a strong show of interest, 75% of passengers in Asia would rather use biometrics than traditional passports and boarding passes for check-in and security processes. This trend is helping to eliminate paper-based identification and speed up lines at busy hubs like Singapore Changi, Tokyo Haneda, and Hong Kong International Airport.

Generational Trends in Asia

Asian travelers, particularly younger generations, are more inclined to use digital tools and mobile technology:

• Under-25 Travelers in Asia: Younger travelers in Asia are especially receptive to digital solutions, with 51% of those under 25 preferring digital wallets compared to the global average of 20%. An impressive 90% of Asian youth want to use their smartphones to manage booking, payment, and airport navigation.

• High Openness to Biometric Solutions: Nearly 50% of under-25 Asian travelers would be more open to biometric technology if assured that their data is secure—significantly higher than the global average of 39%. This openness is crucial as airports across Asia ramp up biometric security measures.

Broader Regional Insights

The Asia-Pacific region has unique dynamics and trends in travel preferences:

• Price Sensitivity: More than any other region, Asia-Pacific travelers are highly price-conscious. In selecting departure airports, they prioritize minimizing travel costs.

• Visa Complexity: Complex visa requirements pose a greater obstacle for Asia-Pacific travelers than for those in other regions, limiting ease of access to certain destinations and adding additional pre-travel steps.

• Digital Payment Preference: The region shows the highest preference for digital wallet usage over traditional methods, with many favoring options like QR-code payments. This shift highlights a cultural comfort with digital banking and finance that is redefining payment trends across the sector.

Future Outlook for Asia-Pacific Travelers

The 2024 Global Passenger Survey results underline the enthusiasm of Asia-Pacific travelers for a streamlined, tech-enabled experience. As digital adoption continues to rise, it is expected that this region will see even greater integration of biometric and mobile solutions, reducing time spent on logistics and enhancing the overall travel experience. The region’s strong focus on efficiency and convenience may lead to quicker adoption of innovations, as airports and airlines strive to meet the demands of an increasingly mobile, tech-savvy population.

In summary, Asia-Pacific travelers are embracing a future where travel is faster, more secure, and highly convenient. As the industry steps up with IATA’s initiatives and increased biometric capabilities, passengers in Asia can look forward to a more seamless and digitized travel experience. The findings highlight the crucial role of technology in meeting the needs of today’s travelers, with Asia-Pacific at the vanguard of this transformation.