Which age group travels the most by plane?

American millennials are reported to travel an average of 35 days per year, significantly more than other generations. Meanwhile, the average travel days for other generations in the US are 26 for Gen X, 27 for baby boomers, and 29 for Gen Z.



In 2026, Millennials (ages 28–43) and Gen Z (ages 18–27) have emerged as the demographics that travel most frequently by plane. Millennials lead in terms of total "leisure" trips, often prioritizing "experiences over possessions" and taking an average of 35 to 40 vacation days per year when remote work is factored in. However, Gen X (ages 44–59) still accounts for the highest volume of "high-yield" business travel and premium cabin bookings due to higher disposable income. Interestingly, the "65+" (Baby Boomer) group is the fastest-growing segment for long-haul international travel, as they use retirement to tick off "bucket list" destinations. When looking at sheer frequency, the 25–34 age bracket is the most mobile, frequently flying for a mix of "bleisure" (business + leisure) and social gatherings. Overall, the travel industry in 2026 is heavily skewed toward younger, digital-native travelers who view air travel as a routine part of their lifestyle rather than a luxury.

People Also Ask

This may come as no surprise, but Baby Boomers spend significantly more on vacations than the other generations – especially Gen Z. Those in the newest generation, Gen Z, tend to have just one traveler named on a policy, while the other generations tend to buy plans for at least two travelers.

MORE DETAILS

Gen Zs — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are traveling more than Gen Xers and baby boomers, and are “on par with millennials, who are currently the focus of the industry,” said Roeschke. Survey conducted from December 2022 to February 2023.

MORE DETAILS

You are never too old to travel. You just have to know your limits. Once you have seen a doctor, got your check up, and made some decisions, then there is one more thing you really MUST DO. Take out Travel Insurance.

MORE DETAILS

What gender travels the most? 64% of travellers worldwide are female, while only 36% are male.

MORE DETAILS

The average age of onset of fearful flying is 27 years. Fearful flyers often report that their anxiety developed after the birth of a child.

MORE DETAILS

What motivates millennials to travel. “Millennials tend to be driven very much by experiences,” said Roeschke. Millennials, along with Gen Zs, are more likely to spend money on experiences than on consumer goods (46% vs. 37%), according to American Express Travel's 2023 Global Travel Trends Report.

MORE DETAILS

All it takes is a just little more effort and planning for any 30+ year old to fit traveling in their lives. And when they do, they'll find that it's a way better experience than traveling in their 20s. Because traveling in your 30s is amazing.

MORE DETAILS

The survey showed that, in 2022, 44 percent of Americans flew commercially, and almost 90 percent had taken a commercial flight in their lifetime.

MORE DETAILS

TRAVEL TRENDS BY GENERATION: FREQUENCY OF TRAVEL Millennials have an average of 35 vacation days a year. Generation X has an average of 26 vacation days per year. Boomers between 55-75 have an average of 27 vacation days a year.

MORE DETAILS

Ability to travel is not a function of age, says Schaefer, who writes a blog about senior travel. It's determined by your physical and mental fitness. And yet many people are asking that slightly indelicate question now: Can you be too old to travel?

MORE DETAILS

What motivates millennials to travel. “Millennials tend to be driven very much by experiences,” said Roeschke. Millennials, along with Gen Zs, are more likely to spend money on experiences than on consumer goods (46% vs.

MORE DETAILS