Money.com.au surveyed an independent panel of 1010 Australians to gauge what proportion had, in the last year, experienced travel issues such as cancellations, delays and lost luggage, or booking issues. Respondents were also asked if they plan to change how they travel going forward to avoid such issues.
The pool of survey respondents matches the age and geographical spread of the Australian population.
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Money.com.au sought to uncover the proportion of Australians that have travelled domestically or internationally since borders began opening in November 2021. The survey found 61 per cent had travelled since then. Specifically:
Money.com.au asked the 621 survey respondents who had travelled domestically or internationally in the last year if they had experienced any challenges when travelling or when trying to book travel. Respondents could select more than one issue from a list of seven. Nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents had experienced at least one challenge.
Younger respondents were more likely to have experienced one or more challenges while travelling or booking their travel in the last year. More than half (58 per cent) of under-30s have had to deal with at least one challenge. This compares with:
A higher proportion of under-30s respondents experienced delays with flights or other transport, at 33 per cent. This compares with:
A higher proportion of under-30s have also had their luggage delayed or lost when travelling this year.
Compared with:
Younger respondents also chose to forego a trip due to higher costs.
This compares with:
A similar proportion of respondents across the States had experienced at least one travel disruption or challenge when travelling this year. This includes:
A higher proportion of South Australians experienced delays with flights or other transport this year, at 38 per cent. This compares with:
Response | NSW (%) | VIC (%) | QLD (%) | SA (%) | WA (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes, delays with flights or other transport | 28 | 30 | 31 | 38 | 17 |
Yes, cancelled flights or other transport | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 9 |
Yes, lost or delayed luggage | 8 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 17 |
Yes, I got slugged with unexpected fees | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 11 |
Yes, I did not book a trip as prices had increased too much this year | 10 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 9 |
Yes, I did not book a trip as there was no available accommodation or flight seats | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 22 |
Yes, I – or a person I travelled with – caught an illness, which impacted our trip | 4 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
No | 53 | 50 | 54 | 47 | 56 |
Money.com.au also asked respondents if they have changed, or are planning to change, the way they travel to reduce the risk of disruption or higher travel costs. Respondents were presented with six suggested changes. More than half (58 per cent) indicated they would be making changes to their travel.
Specifically:
Money.com.au analysed respondents across age groups. Younger respondents are more likely to change their travel plans.
This compares with:
Similar proportions of respondents across age groups plan to travel outside of peak periods. This includes:
In contrast, a higher proportion of older respondents are willing to forego flights for drive holidays. This change was chosen by 19 per cent of over-50s, compared with:
Younger respondents, however, are more willing to skimp on accommodation costs by opting for lower-star, cheaper accommodation. This change was chosen by 12 per cent of under-30s and compares with:
Money.com.au also analysed responses across the States and found that more NSW respondents will make changes to their travel than any other State. Two thirds (64 per cent) selected a change that they plan to make or have already made. This compares with:
A higher proportion of NSW respondents indicated they will travel outside of peak periods, at 25 per cent. This compares with:
NSW respondents were also more likely to opt for a drive holiday to adapt to the new travel environment. Fifteen (15) per cent of NSW respondents indicated they would make this change. This compares with:
Response | NSW (%) | VIC (%) | QLD (%) | SA (%) | WA (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes, I will travel outside of peak periods | 25 | 21 | 23 | 9 | 19 |
Yes, I will stay in lower-star, cheaper accommodation | 6 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 4 |
Yes, I will fly with less reputable airlines that I wouldn’t normally choose | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
Yes, I will take shorter holidays | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Yes, I will take holidays to lesser-known, or cheaper destinations | 5 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 4 |
Yes, I will take drive holidays rather than flights | 15 | 9 | 14 | 11 | 13 |
No, I will not change how I travel. | 35 | 44 | 42 | 58 | 50 |
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