From city breaks and poolside cocktails to family beach days and solo backpacking adventures, travel is a universal way for people to escape from everyday life and enjoy themselves. Yet, while travel booms, a new trend is emerging: FOSO, a fear of switching off. 

According to new global research from Priority Pass – the original and market-leading airport experiences programme, owned and operated by Collinson -surveying 8,500 people across 13 countries – over a third (35) of people find it difficult to truly switch off from everyday life while on their travels.

The data also shows that the airport experience is critical to how well people can – or cannot – switch off, with more than 6 in 10 (62%) travellers saying pre-flight issues can initiate FOSO on the rest of their trip. However, FOSO can be subsided with airport services: 53% of people worldwide (64% in the UK) said that visiting an airport lounge has improved how they have been able to switch off during previous travels.

Unpacking FOSO
With UK travel in full swing, Priority Pass asked respondents what was causing FOSO and holding them back from experiencing the true benefits of travel.

The constant pressure to be connected is proving a challenge for many. Most Brits admitted to feeling worried about missing messages when not looking at their phone (71%), feeling more stressed having it turned off than on (69%), or leaving their accommodation without it (49%). 68% of Brits even say they experience guilt when they do not respond to messages while on a trip. Many also felt they should be using their flight time to catch up with work or life admin, rather than ‘switching-off’ (51%).

The FOSO is reported to affect Brits of all age groups with Gen Z (47%) experiencing it the most, followed next by Millennials (41%), Gen X (31%) and Baby Boomers (12%). 

According to 76% of all UK respondents, tackling FOSO ahead of travelling could significantly benefit their overall wellbeing. This implies that its influence lasts beyond the moment you return home and forms an important part of your day-to-day happiness.

Making every trip count
As such, Priority Pass asked survey respondents to dig deeper into the habits and environments that best enable them to combat FOSO and effectively switch off on their travels.

The airport experience has fast become a leading barometer for how well people can relax or enjoy their trip. However, data also suggests the pre-flight experience can be a valuable place to tackle FOSO.
In addition to those that have already enjoyed the airport lounge experience, (64%) of Brits believe that visiting one would have a beneficial impact on how they switch off for the remainder of their trip. Travellers selected a smooth check-in, food & beverage, sleeping, and shopping as the next most effective ways to switch off pre-flight.

For many, ‘that holiday feeling’ associated with travelling begins long before arriving at the airport. Over a quarter (27%) of Brits switch off when they are planning their trip, highlighting how important it is for the travel industry to make every step of the journey stress-free and enjoyable, from the booking to the beach.

“We all know that being able to switch off and get away from the stress of every day is more important than ever. That is why so many are turning to travel. However, from our research FOSO is real. We want to ensure people can unwind and relax from the start of their journey, creating memorable experiences” said Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International.

“We remain agile to changing travel trends to ensure we are always innovating our range of premium experiences and providing offerings which go beyond the airport lounge. From pre-booking airport transfers and lounge access to visiting sleeping pods, gaming lounges, and spa experiences, we are evolving our portfolio worldwide to ensure travellers can switch off at every point of the journey.”

Chris Ross, President, EMEA at Collinson says “UK lounges have to date been some of the most popular in the world, providing stand-out opportunities for travellers to enrich their airport experience. For today’s consumer, the journey and process of getting there is just as important as the destination itself. From the airport transfer to a choice of dining options, to in-airport activities and relaxation benefits, these all form an integral part of the traveller journey.

“Priority Pass, its partners and others in the travel ecosystem are always striving to help people switch-off and hit that holiday mode feeling. By offering top benefits, which allow people to begin the journey at their best, while tackling their own FOSO along the way.”

Planning the perfect FOSO holiday
Finally, Priority Pass asked survey respondents to build the perfect FOSO-free trip. The findings showed:

• The best type of trip to ‘switch-off’: according to the research, respondents rated a trip to the beach as the best type of trip to switch-off – followed by a city break, safari, and wellness retreat.
• How many days is best?it is not the longer the better – those surveyed reported 1-2 weeks, followed by 2-6 days, as the ideal lengths of time to switch-off. Over a month came out the lowest rated.
• Before boarding the flight: those surveyed said that visiting an airport lounge was their preferred pre-flight ‘switch-off activity.’ Enjoying a smooth prompt check-in experience and having food or a beverage next topped the list for airport relaxation activities.

Priority Pass provides premium airport experiences allowing people to switch-off and arrive at their destination feeling their best. For more information visit PriorityPass.com.