Throughout 2024, many Americans traveled extensively throughout the United States.
Travelers may have participated in or noticed several different travel trends emerging in 2024.
As 2024 comes to a close and the new year of 2025 soon begins, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest travel trends of the past year.
gate lice
“Gate lice” refers to passengers who cut in line in hopes of boarding a plane early.
American Airlines announced it will expand new technology to combat “gate lice” to more than 100 airports.
American Airlines expands ‘gate lice’ crackdown to more than 100 airports
The system will audibly flag if a passenger attempts to board the plane before their assigned assignment is called and automatically deny the person’s ticket.
the mattress moves
“Mattress Run” allows guests to book hotel rooms and earn free nights and accumulate status points even if they are not staying in the hotel room. (St. Petersburg)
Dubbed the “Mattress Run,” more people are booking hotel rooms to earn free nights and accumulate status points.
However, these travelers appear to be booking rooms in hopes of earning rewards, even though they clearly haven’t completed their stay.
“Mattress runs” are the latest trend in travel, and they can backfire when booking hotels. experts involved
Alston Causey, vice president of U.S.-based travel agency Travelmation, told Fox News Digital: “The ‘Mattress Run’ is a trend where you’re in the moment and before you know it, you’re doing it every year. It’s for certain people.”
fly naked in the sky
This trend has allowed people to have a smooth travel day without worrying about getting stuck in security check lines late on their connecting flight or losing their luggage, social media users say. states. (Azmanjaka)
“Flying naked” is a trend in which passengers fly without checked or carry-on baggage, but only with essentials such as cell phones, chargers, and wallets.
While proponents praise the convenience of avoiding the hassle of baggage fees and overhead storage, critics believe the concept is too restrictive.
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TikTok users posted videos showing their participation in the trend, with one creator sharing a series of travel videos titled “Traveling with No Bags, Just Vibes.”
‘Traveling naked’ is the latest travel trend to divide the internet, but it doesn’t mean what you think
Airlines earned more than $33 billion in baggage fees in 2023, according to a report from FOX Business.
squatter
Travel industry experts have suggested that instead of stealing a seat, travelers can try their luck onboard by simply asking someone else to swap seats with them. (St. Petersburg)
The term “seat occupier” refers to an airline passenger who occupies an unassigned seat in an attempt to secure a more desirable location without paying additional fees.
Airplane ‘seat occupants’ are the latest travel trend to take social media by storm
This trend has gained traction on social media, with travelers sharing their experiences confronting such individuals.
Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert, emphasized that passengers have the right to occupy the seat listed on their boarding pass.
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He suggested that those looking for another seat should politely request a replacement and offer a reasonable exchange in return.
sleep divorce
Hilton says more couples are admitting to sleeping in separate beds or in separate rooms while on vacation. (St. Petersburg)
The concept of “sleep divorce,” where couples choose to sleep separately to improve the quality of their sleep, is gaining popularity, especially during the holidays.
According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, 63% of travelers can sleep well alone and 37% would prefer separate beds with their partner when traveling.
‘Sleep divorce’ on vacation: Travel trend has couples ‘separating’ at bedtime
Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxell, a senior behavioral specialist at the Rand Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, told Fox News Digital that sleeping separately during the holidays “is intended to improve sleep quality.” He said some couples choose to do so.
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“This trend reflects a growing awareness that sleep is important not only for personal health and well-being, but also for the health of relationships,” Troxell said.
