What: 2021 Holiday Plans Aren’t Affected, But Travelers Remain Cautious for 2022
A recent survey of 2 million members of Scott’s Cheap Flights shows that while about two-thirds of people are worried about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 affecting their holiday plans, so far there have been minimal cancellations, with 87% of people going ahead with their trips. Respondents are more worried about Omicron disrupting plans for 2022 than they are about how it will impact their holiday plans — 62% of people are worried about Omicron disrupting their holiday travel plans and 79% of people are worried about omicron disrupting their travel plans for 2022.
Why It Matters: Travelers Are Learning to Cope With Pandemic Threats
The survey shows that most travelers are taking a cautious approach to dealing with Omicron. While people have concerns about the new strain, they are not changing plans until they learn more about the specific danger it poses. It seems that consumers are learning to cope with pandemic threats without panicking and immediately canceling future trips. Travel advisors should adopt a similar wait-and-see approach and be ready with as much information as possible to help skittish clients who are looking for guidance before canceling vacations.
Fast Facts
- Of those who were planning to travel for Christmas before the Omicron news, 87% have not changed their plans (10% have canceled or postponed, and 3% changed the location).
- Of those who were unsure about their plans prior to the Omicron announcement, 27% have since decided not to travel and 45% are still undecided.
- Of those who were planning to travel for New Year’s before the Omicron news, 85% have not changed plans (11% have canceled or postponed, and 4% changed the location).
- Of those who were unsure about their plans prior to the Omicron announcement, 14% have since decided not to travel and 61% are still undecided.
- The survey was conducted in early December.
The Details
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