Many Americans will travel far and wide across the United States throughout 2024.
Travelers will have likely shared or noticed some of the different travel trends emerging in 2024.
With 2024 coming to an end and 2025 starting soon, here’s a recap of some of the biggest travel trends of the past year.
Gate lice
The term “gate lice” refers to passengers who cut lines in hopes of boarding the plane early.
American Airlines announced that it is expanding its new technology to combat “gate lice” at more than 100 airports.
American Airlines expands gate lice campaign to more than 100 airports
The system emits an audio signal when a passenger tries to board before their assigned assignment is called – and will automatically reject the person’s ticket.
The bed works
Through Mattress Run, guests book hotel rooms to earn free nights or accumulate status points even if they are not staying in the hotel room. (Istock)
This fad, called “mattress running,” has people booking hotel rooms in order to earn free nights or accumulate status points.
However, it appears that these travelers have not completed their stay, yet are still booking rooms in the hope of receiving rewards.
“Mattress running” is the latest travel trend that can backfire when booking hotel rooms. An expert weighs in
“Running the mattress is more for people who are on the cusp and tend to find themselves there every year,” Alston Causey, vice president of Travelimation, a US-based travel agency, told Fox News Digital.
Flying naked
Social media users say the trend has allowed people to have a smooth travel day without worrying about getting stuck in security lines or losing luggage on the second half of their connecting flight. (Zaman Jacka)
“Naked flying” is a trend in which passengers travel without checked or cabin baggage, carrying only the essentials such as a phone, charger and wallet.
Proponents appreciate the convenience of avoiding baggage fees and the hassle of overhead bin space — while critics find the concept too restrictive.
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TikTok users posted videos showing their participation in the trend, with one content creator sharing a series of travel videos titled “Traveling without bags, just feelings.”
‘Flying naked’ is the latest travel trend to divide the internet, and it doesn’t mean what you think it means
Fox Business reported that in 2023, airlines generated more than $33 billion in baggage fees.
Seat setters
One travel industry expert suggested that instead of stealing seats, travelers could try their luck on the plane by simply asking others to swap seats with them. (Istock)
The term “seat sitters” refers to airline passengers who occupy seats that are not assigned to them, in the hope of getting a more desirable spot without paying extra fees.
‘Random seats’ on planes are the latest travel trend to dominate social media
The trend has received attention on social media, with travelers sharing their experiences encountering these individuals.
Texas-based travel industry expert Gary Leaf confirmed that passengers are entitled to the seat mentioned on their boarding pass.
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He suggested that those seeking a different seat should politely ask to swap, offering a reasonable trade-off in return.
Sleep divorce
More couples are admitting they sleep in separate beds or separate rooms while on vacation, according to Hilton. (Istock)
The concept of “sleep divorce,” in which couples choose to sleep separately to improve the quality of their sleep, is gaining popularity especially during the holidays.
Hilton’s 2025 report indicates that 63% of travelers sleep better alone, and 37% prefer separate beds from their partners while travelling.
“Sleeping Divorce” on Vacation: This travel trend has couples “sleeping apart” at bedtime
Some couples choose to sleep separately while on vacation “with the goal of improving sleep quality,” sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral specialist at the RAND Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, told Fox News Digital.
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“This trend reflects a growing awareness that sleep is critical not only to personal health and well-being, but also to the health of relationships,” Troxel said.
