Many Americans traveled far and wide across the United States in 2024.
Travelers may have participated in or noticed a few different travel trends that emerged in 2024.
As 2024 comes to a close and the new year of 2025 soon begins, here is a roundup of some of the biggest travel trends of the past year.
Gate lice
“Gate lice” are passengers who wait in line in the hope of boarding a flight early.
American Airlines announced that it is expanding its new technology to combat “gate lice” at over 100 airports.
AMERICAN AIRLINES expands crackdown on gate lice to more than 100 airports
The system will give an audible alert if a passenger attempts to board the aircraft before their assigned task has been called – and automatically rejects the person’s ticket.
Mattress works
With “Mattress Rides,” guests book hotel rooms to earn free nights or status points, even if they don’t stay in the hotel room. (iStock)
This fad, known as “mattress racing,” has people booking hotel rooms to earn free nights or earn status points.
These travelersHowever, they don’t seem to be finishing their stays yet, but are still reserving rooms in the hope of snagging rewards.
Alston Causey, vice president of Travelmation, a US-based travel agency, told Fox News Digital: “A ‘mattress run’ is more for people who are on the cusp and tend to find themselves there every year.”
Fly naked
This trend has allowed people to have a smooth day of travel without worrying about getting stuck in the security line or losing their luggage in the second half of their connecting flight, social media users say. (Azman Jaka)
“Flying naked” is a trend in which passengers fly without checked luggage or carry-on luggage, bringing only essentials such as luggage phone, charger, and wallet.
Proponents appreciate the convenience of avoidance Baggage fees and the annoying storage space in the overhead compartment – while critics find the concept too restrictive.
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TikTok users have posted videos showing their involvement in the trend, with one creator sharing a series of travel videos titled “Traveling without luggage, just vibes.”
“FLYING NAKED” IS THE LATEST TRAVEL TREND TO DIVIDE THE INTERNET AND IT DOESN’T MEAN WHAT YOU THINK
In 2023, airlines earned over $33 billion from baggage fees, FOX Business reported.
Seat occupier
A travel industry expert suggested that instead of stealing seats, passengers could try their luck on board by simply asking others to join them in stealing seats. (iStock)
The term “seat squatter” refers to airline passengers who occupy unassigned seats in the hope of securing a more desirable seat without incurring additional fees.
Airplane “seats” are the latest travel trend to take over social media
This trend has garnered attention on social media as travelers share their experiences of confronting such individuals.
Texas-based travel industry expert Gary Leff emphasized that passengers are entitled to the seat specified on their boarding pass.
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He suggested that those seeking another seat should politely ask for a swap and offer reasonable consideration in return.
Divorce in your sleep
According to Hilton, more and more couples are admitting that they sleep in separate beds or in separate rooms while on vacation. (iStock)
The concept of “sleep divorce,” in which couples sleep separately to improve their sleep quality, is becoming increasingly popular, especially on vacation.
Hilton’s 2025 Trend Report shows that 63% of travelers sleep better alone, and 37% prefer separate beds from their partners when traveling.
“Sleep divorce” on vacation: The travel trend leads to couples “breaking up” before going to bed.
This is what sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral specialist at RAND Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, told Fox News Digital some couples choose to sleep separately while on vacation with the “aim of improving sleep quality.”
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“This trend reflects the growing awareness that sleep is critical not only for personal health and well-being, but also for the health of relationships,” Troxel said.
