[Sponsored Content] Data from Airport transportation service provider, Welcome Pickups, reveals insights into today’s traveller and guest expectations.
For many travellers, the vacation doesn’t start when they land at their destination but the moment they leave their home. More specifically, it begins during the transfer to the airport. That short ride can set the tone for the entire trip: relaxed or rushed, seamless or stressful.
As international travel continues past its post-pandemic rebound, airport transfer trends offer a valuable window into the modern traveller’s mindset. The ways people book these rides (whether through ride-hailing apps, public transport, or pre-arranged private transfers) reveal what truly matters to them: convenience, cost, safety, and reliability.
Leisure over business across all ages
One clear pattern that we can see from the data is that the majority of Brits are travelling for leisure not business, regardless of their age group. Even among travelers aged 31 to 45, which is the group that is most likely to be taking business trips, only 15% of transfer bookings are for work purposes.
For guests over 55, that number drops to a minuscule 4%. These aren’t businesspeople squeezing in sightseeing around meetings; they’re tourists looking to relax.
What does this mean for property hosts? It means your guests are on vacation mode. They’re more likely to value comfort, clear instructions, and pre-arranged services over DIY logistics. That gives you an opportunity to be proactive and help them enjoy a smoother arrival.
Millennials are booking last minute and more often
People aged 31 to 45 dominate last-minute airport transfer bookings. Around 35% of all same-day bookings (within 12 hours of departure or arrival) come from this age group. Another 33% are made between 12–24 hours ahead of time. This means that millennials don’t just travel frequently, they’re also spontaneous, or at the very least, they delay decisions.
This group is tech-savvy and confident in booking services from their phones while heading to the airport or even after landing. For short-term rental operators, this reinforces the importance of having mobile-friendly check-in guides, local transport info, and service links that can be easily accessed.
Older guests prefer to plan ahead
By contrast, travelers over 55 tend to book far in advance. Nearly half of them book airport transfers a month or more ahead of their trip. Only 18% book on the same day they fly.
This suggests two things:
- They’re more risk-averse
- They’re more likely to appreciate proactive help.
If your guest is in this demographic, a well-timed email recommending reliable transport from the airport or train station could save them stress, and earn you a 5-star review.
Couples wait until the last minute
Interestingly, couples are the most likely group to book airport transfers at the very last minute. Of all bookings made less than 12 hours before travel, 46% come from travelers in pairs. Meanwhile, families account for 36% of these last-minute decisions.
Short-term rental hosts should take note. Don’t assume a couple travelling to your property has their logistics sorted. An automatic message or in-app notification offering transfer recommendations the day before their arrival could be exactly what they need.
Families split the difference
Families show more variability. Despite having to plan around school schedules, many family groups delay booking their airport transfers until 12–24 hours ahead of departure. Meanwhile others are ultra-prepared and book more than a month in advance.
This mixed behaviour makes it important for vacation rental hosts to offer transport info at multiple points in the booking timeline. Consider including a reliable transfer service in both your confirmation email and your pre-arrival guide.
Also worth noting: last-minute transfers tend to cost 15–30% more. Highlighting this cost difference could be an effective way to nudge guests to plan ahead—and show that you’re looking out for their wallet.
Why does this matter for short-term rentals?
Airport transfer behaviour isn’t just travel trivia. It’s a goldmine of insights for anyone running a vacation rental business. Here’s why this data is valuable:
- It helps you anticipate guest needs.
If you know that millennials book late and seniors book early, you can tailor your pre-arrival communication accordingly. Suggest airport transport services to older guests weeks ahead of time. For younger guests, a reminder the day before might be more effective.
- It improves your reviews.
Guests who feel taken care of are more likely to leave positive feedback. Recommending trusted, easy-to-use transport options makes a great first impression and reduces the risk of arrival-day headaches.
- It sets you apart from competitors.
Many property managers ignore the arrival process entirely. But by being one of the few who actually helps guests bridge the gap from airport to doorstep, you differentiate yourself—and build loyalty.
- It can unlock upsell opportunities.
Partnering with a transfer provider like Welcome Pickups allows you to monetise your recommendations or provide bundled “arrival packages.” This adds value without additional overhead.
- It supports your operations.
Guests who use transfers are more likely to arrive on time, avoid getting lost, and check in smoothly. That means fewer late-night calls and less strain on your team.
Where are the Brits going?
The top destinations for Brits booking airport transfers paint a picture of current travel hotspots:
- Athens: With a 17% spike in visits and 74,000 monthly searches from UK users, Athens is the #1 drop-off destination.
- Barcelona: Famed for its architecture and nightlife, Barcelona saw a 16% increase in travelers.
- Paris: The French capital continues to charm with culture and cuisine, drawing 201,000 monthly UK searches.
- Seville: Known for warm weather and stunning Moorish architecture, this Spanish gem ranks fourth.
- Rome: Italy’s Eternal City saw a 15% boost in British visitors in 2024, with 110,000 monthly searches.
If your short-term rental is located in or near one of these cities, guests are likely arriving through airport transfer services. This is your chance to step in and enhance their experience.
Final thoughts
Every step of a guest’s journey is a chance to impress. From the airport pickup to the final check-out, small gestures can lead to great outcomes. Understanding how, when, and why guests book their transfers helps you make smarter, more timely decisions.
Whether you host a single property or manage a portfolio, it’s not just about where your guests stay—it’s about how they get there. Make that journey seamless, and they’ll remember you for all the right reasons.
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