US leisure travel declines as rising costs impact consumers

New survey data indicates that nearly half of US adults, specifically 47 percent, did not take a leisure trip during the summer of 2026. While 54 percent of adults entered the season either planning or considering a getaway, many plans collapsed due to financial pressures. Approximately 53 percent of respondents cited overall cost or budget as a deciding factor in their travel decisions.

Rising airfares are further impacting upcoming holiday plans. Reports show that 31 percent of Americans plan to forgo flights and hotels this holiday season, representing a 22 percent increase from the previous year. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates airline ticket costs have risen 23.4 percent year over year, driven by higher jet fuel costs, reduced flight capacity, and the impact of Spirit Airlines' exit from the market, which has reduced competition for budget travelers.