Delta’s inaugural Connection Index finds why travelers are prioritizing real-world experiences

From turning digital discoveries into real-life adventures to building deeper connections on the road, travel is taking on new meaning. A new global trend report from Delta Air Lines, ‘Connection Index: Why We Fly,’ explores the reasons why we choose to fly and in turn, the way it makes us feel. The report is a deeper look at why travelers today are prioritizing authentic experiences during a time of increasing digital obsession and why the pull to immerse oneself in the real world has never been stronger.

Download the full report to explore the trends shaping how and why the world travels today. 

As more day-to-day life unfolds via screens, travelers say getting out into the world firsthand feels increasingly important. The research also shows that the desire to explore and connect in person with others remains critically strong. 

Key findings from the research: 
 

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• 84% of global travelers say they feel a strong desire to travel and connect with new places and people regardless of what’s happening in the world, a sentiment especially strong with Gen Z and Millennials.
• 79% of global travelers say that when so much content can be generated or altered by AI, experiencing something in person feels more meaningful.  
• 80% say travel helps them connect with new people and combat loneliness, which is especially true with men (82%).  
• 73% say they have taken a trip specifically to see something in real life they first discovered online.
• 38% say travel helps them be more present in their relationships.  

Together, the findings highlight how travel continues to play a powerful role in helping people connect with places, people, and perspectives beyond the screen. 

Download the full report to explore the trends shaping how and why the world travels today.