In 2024, many Americans are traveling across the United States.
Travelers may have already participated in or noticed some different travel trends emerging in 2024.
As 2024 comes to an end and the new year of 2025 begins, here’s a roundup of some of the biggest travel trends from the past year.
door lice
“Door lice” are passengers who jump in line to board a flight early.
American Airlines announced it is rolling out its new technology to combat “boarding lice” at more than 100 airports.
American Airlines expands ‘boarding lice’ crackdown to more than 100 airports
When a passenger attempts to board before their assigned assignment is called, the system will sound an audible flag and automatically deny that person a ticket.
mattress run
Through the Mattress Run, guests can earn free nights or accumulate tier points by booking a hotel room, even if they don’t stay in the hotel room. (iStock)
The fad, known as the “mattress run,” lets people book hotel rooms to get free nights or accumulate tier points.
However, these travelers clearly haven’t completed their stay yet, but they still book rooms in hopes of earning rewards.
“Mattress running” is the latest travel trend, but it can backfire when it comes to booking a hotel room. Expert participation
Alston Causey, vice president of travel agency Travelmation, told Fox News Digital, “The ‘Mattress Run’ is more geared toward people who are on the cusp of the wave, and find themselves on the cusp of it every year.”
Flying naked
Social media users said the trend allowed people to have a smooth trip without having to worry about being stuck in a security line or losing their luggage during the second half of a connecting flight. (Azman Jaka)
“Flying naked” is a trend in which passengers do not check in luggage or carry on luggage, but only carry essentials such as mobile phones, chargers and wallets.
Supporters appreciate the convenience of avoiding baggage fees and the hassle of overhead bin space, while critics say the concept is too limited.
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TikTok users have posted videos showing their participation in the trend, with one creator sharing a series of travel videos titled “Traveling without Bags, Just Vibes.”
“Flying naked” is the latest travel trend online, but it doesn’t mean what you think
According to Fox Business Channel, airline baggage fee revenue will exceed $33 billion in 2023.
seat squatter
A travel industry expert has suggested that instead of jockeying for a seat on a plane, passengers could try their luck on the plane and simply ask others to swap seats with them. (iStock)
The term “seat rusher” refers to airline passengers occupying unassigned seats in the hope of getting a more desirable seat without paying extra.
“Seat-snatchers” on airplanes are the latest travel trend taking social media by storm
The trend has gained traction on social media, with travelers sharing their experiences of coming face-to-face with such people.
Texas tourism expert Gary Leff emphasized that passengers have the right to choose the seat indicated on their boarding pass.
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He advises those seeking different seats to politely ask for an exchange and offer a reasonable deal in return.
sleep divorce
Hilton said more and more couples are admitting to sleeping in separate beds or separate rooms while on vacation. (iStock)
The concept of “sleep divorce” is becoming increasingly popular, especially during the holidays, when couples choose to sleep separately to improve sleep quality.
Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report shows that 63% of travelers sleep better alone and 37% prefer to sleep in separate beds with a partner when traveling.
Holiday ‘sleep divorce’: Travel trend leads to couples ‘breaking up’ before bed
Dr. Wendy Troxell, a senior behavioral specialist at the RAND Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist and sleep expert in Utah, told Fox News Digital that some couples choose to sleep separately on vacation “with the goal of improving sleep quality.”
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“This trend reflects the growing recognition that sleep is not only critical to personal health and well-being, but also to relationship health,” Troxell said.
