Factors that predict passengers willingness to fly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: Prior research has examined consumer willingness to fly in a variety of situations, including during disease outbreaks. However, to date, no study that we know of has identified what type of person is willing to fly during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Six hundred and thirty-two participants from the United States were asked to complete a survey designed to capture demographics, personality measures, emotional states and travel purposes. The data were collected in two stages in order to both develop a descriptive regression equation and a predictive model. RESULTS: Regression equations were created for both business and pleasure travel, and the following predictors were significant for both scenarios: perceived threat from COVID-19, agreeableness, affect, and fear. These models accounted for 66–67% of the variance in willingness to fly. CONCLUSION: Airlines and governments could use these findings to help control the message to potential passengers on actions being taken to provide a safe flying experience, such as mask wearing policies and aircraft disinfectant procedures.