WASHINGTON -- Travelers are spending more time on the fence
deciding about their vacations and waiting longer to book,
according to several travel experts.
It was unclear whether late booking trend was due the economy,
the plethora of travel deals available, or apprehension related to
the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Nevertheless, consumers are making a lot of "spur of the moment
decisions," said Fred Miller, vice president of global sales,
Marriott International, one of the travel experts that participated
in a teleconference sponsored by the Flight Plan for America, a
travel marketing effort led by ARC, airlines, agencies and other
travel suppliers.
In one instance, travelers were in an airport in Florida,
finalizing their Caribbean vacation plans as they waited for a
flight to the island, Miller said.
ASTA vice president Kathy Sudeikis said she booked several
families who planned vacations just two weeks from departure.
While there are some deals to be had, Sudeikis said, travelers
nevertheless "shouldn't wait" if they want to get the best deals.
For example, she said, deals already are available for fall and
winter vacations.
Nevertheless, the fact that consumers are traveling at all is
good news for the industry, after the staggering economic ripple
effect that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Indeed, there are indications that that the attacks are
influencing the travel decisions of consumers, many of whom are
staying closer to home.
The attacks also seem to have influenced some of the emotional
reasoning behind certain vacation trips.
For instance, Miller said, consumers seem to want to "reconnect"
with loved ones and friends.
That may be one reason why experts said family or
intergenerational travel and reunions are hot this summer.
Overall, the experts said travel is recovering steadily from the
aftereffects of Sept. 11. That is particularly true of the cruise
industry, which has seen its bookings solidly rebound.
But the experts said post-Sept. 11 security remains a hot
topic.
A representative from the Transportation Security Administration
recommended travelers get to the airport at least 90 minutes before
their flights and even earlier if they are traveling with
children.
The TSA also has established a toll free telephone number, (866)
289-9673, to assist travelers.
Additionally, travelers and agents interested in updated airport
security information should log on to the TSA's Web site, www.tsa.dot.gov.
Meanwhile, the Flight Plan campaign, which intends to hold
travel expert teleconferences every month, is preparing a video
news release with advice for travelers.