Forgetting essential items before a trip can end up costing travelers an average of $363, according to research commissioned by Navan and conducted by Talker Research. The survey of 2,000 Americans who travel for leisure or business highlighted that travelers typically start packing three days before a trip but still manage to forget, on average, three items.
Commonly forgotten items include toothbrushes and chargers, each cited by 32% of respondents. Toiletries were forgotten by 25%, with sunglasses also at 25%. Other frequently forgotten items were headphones (23%), socks (21%), glasses (17%), shoes (16%), over-the-counter pain relievers (16%), and jackets (15%).
Younger travelers, specifically Gen Z, are more prone to forgetting items, recalling an average of four items per trip. This demographic has spent approximately $427 on replacements, nearly triple the $154 spent by baby boomers. This financial impact underscores the importance of thorough preparation.
Before embarking on a journey, travelers commonly take steps to avoid airport or flight disruptions. More than half check their flight status for delays (53%), while nearly half check the weather (46%) or airline updates (44%). Approximately a quarter also review Wi-Fi guidelines before departing (23%).
Despite recommendations to arrive two hours early for domestic flights, only 10% of respondents adhere to this guideline, with the average traveler arriving just one hour before departure. For international flights, the average arrival time is 75 minutes prior to departure, less than half the recommended time. Once at the airport, 36% of travelers prioritize checking that their gate exists.
The survey also delved into traveler etiquette and pet peeves. Nine in 10 Americans judge behaviors like clapping when a plane lands or people rushing to be the first off, yet 82% admit to exhibiting these same behaviors themselves. Significant pet peeves include being seated near someone with body odor or poor hygiene (35%), listening to loud or personal conversations (31%), and loud snoring (26%).
Other noted annoyances include passengers taking off shoes or socks (25%) and listening to music or watching movies without headphones (24%). Nearly a third of respondents (29%) would prefer a two-hour flight delay over sitting next to someone engaging in their biggest pet peeve.
However, travelers are not absolved of their own in-flight missteps. One in six admit to taking off their shoes or socks, and a similar number listen to media without headphones. Other self-admitted transgressions include eavesdropping on conversations (22%), watching a neighbor's screen (16%), and glancing at others' texts (13%).
When it comes to in-flight connectivity and entertainment, Wi-Fi is highly valued. More Americans would opt for a delayed flight with working Wi-Fi than an on-time flight without it (51% vs. 42%). Travelers indicated a willingness to pay an additional $376 for their ideal flight experience.
"When it comes to flying, almost everyone has a pet peeve, and nearly three in 10 would rather have their flight delayed by two hours than sit next to someone doing their biggest pet peeve," said Erika White, Chief Marketing Officer of Navan. "The best flights aren’t perfect; they’re the ones where people give each other a little grace."