Aer Lingus has unveiled its 2025 travel trends, offering a glimpse into how Irish travellers’ preferences are evolving in the coming year. The research highlights several key shifts, from an increasing desire to explore new destinations, to the growing importance of airline loyalty programmes, and the rising role of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel planning.
According to the research, 67% of respondents ranked cost-effectiveness as the most important factor when selecting a destination. This was followed closely by the availability of good food (55%) and the cost of getting there (47%). Other factors influencing travel decisions included access to a beach (42%), the quality of accommodations (41%), and cultural appeal (32%).
In another significant shift, loyalty programmes are becoming a more influential factor in booking decisions. More than half (53%) of Irish travellers say that airline loyalty schemes now play a key role in their travel choices, a sharp rise from just 20% in 2024. This reflects a broader trend towards recognising the value of rewards and incentives when choosing which airline to fly with.
One of the standout findings is that a significant majority—62%—of Irish travellers plan to explore a new destination in 2025. This trend is particularly strong among younger generations, with 72% of Gen Z (18-24) and 69% of 25-34-year-olds eager to discover unfamiliar locales. In response to this demand, Aer Lingus has expanded its route network with the addition of several exciting new destinations, including Marrakesh, Malta, Seville, and Las Vegas, providing more opportunities for travellers to broaden their horizons in the year ahead.
Social media also continues to play a key role in shaping travel decisions. Over half (53%) of Irish travellers aged 18-24 are turning to TikTok for travel inspiration, a notable increase from 39% in 2024. This rise underscores the platform’s growing importance as a travel resource, particularly for younger audiences.
The research also reveals a significant shift in how people plan their trips. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT are increasingly becoming integral to travel planning, with 21% of respondents reporting that they have used such tools to help organize their holidays. Furthermore, 11% of respondents said they intend to use AI planning tools in 2025, underscoring the growing influence of technology on the way we travel.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 10 January 2025 All Rights Reserved
