The US-focused survey, available for download here, focuses on the connectivity needs of a growing passenger base. Most recently, IATA reported a 5.3% growth in demand up to September 2014 – a trend that shows no signs of abating, especially as gas prices drop and consumers have more padding in their wallets.
Traveler expectations have expanded into services traditionally delivered by airlines, such as real-time updates and gate information, and indicate that travelers are beginning to see airports as mini-cities with their own structural services similar to a government.
This makes sense, especially as the product offering at airports have expanded to create a more holistic, approachable and enjoyable experience. Airports are now investing heavily in the product, as well as spending money marketing themselves as destinations in a competition for top-of-mind with travelers booking tickets.
