Smart travel and AI: how technology is transforming the future of journeys
Imagine a journey where every step simply works: from booking your ride to breezing through terminals. To understand how airport technology is transforming your experience, we spoke to over 12,000 travellers worldwide. The result is Tomorrow’s Journey: Smarter, Faster, Connected, our global report on the future of travel.
From doorstep to departure and every moment in between, AI and smart technology are making travel faster, smoother, and more connected than ever.
Curious about what's changing? Let's dive in.
The future of travel is designed for ease
45% of travellers feel less stressed in airport terminals.
Do you find you're less stressed in airport terminals these days? You're not alone, nearly half of travellers say the same. Thanks to new travel technology and innovations, more travellers are finding ease and comfort in the terminal, with smoother transitions and convenient touches that make for a more enjoyable trip.
Each day, these travel innovations quietly work behind the scenes to remove long lines and clunky processes to provide travellers with a chance to pause, recharge, and settle into the rhythm of travel.
Skip the lines, not the downtime
45% of travellers gain an extra 10-30 minutes at the airport, while 1 in 5 get up to an hour back.
Airports are no longer just stopovers; they're becoming places where time works in your favour. With faster check-ins, automated bag drops, and streamlined security, smart technology is helping travellers save time and simplify their journey through the airport terminal.
So, what will you do with those extra minutes not spent in a queue? Whether it's grabbing a coffee, browsing the shops, or unwinding in a lounge before take-off, your time is finally yours to enjoy.
A more connected travel experience for all
73% of travellers have visited a lounge at least once.
As travel expectations rise, lounge access is becoming than just a perk: it's a meaningful touchpoint that makes journeys more convenient, plugged in, and human. Once reserved for the few, lounges are now one of the most accessible ways to enjoy a more connected travel experience. After all, who wouldn't want a tranquil space to recharge, catch up on work, or grab a bite before take-off?
And while lounges are just one example, they speak volumes about how airport technology, design and mindsets are evolving. They're reshaping not just how we move through travel, but how we feel along the way.
No passport? Biometric travel has you covered
Biometric travel is among the top five technologies travellers expect to see in the next 5-10 years.
What if your face could be your passport, boarding pass, and payment card? Facial recognition is quietly transforming the travel experience, streamlining everything from check-in to boarding, and even purchases.
With biometric travel replacing physical documents, travellers are spending less time in queues and more time enjoying a faster, frictionless journey. The future of travel? It's already here, and it's looking seamless.
Travel innovation, powered by the next generation
78% of Millennials and 73% of Gen-Z value lounge benefits.
Millennials and Gen-Z aren't chasing luxury, they're expecting comfort, connectivity, and calm. Lounges get that. They offer curated spaces, thoughtful perks, and a moment to breathe in the middle of the travel rush.
Raised on choice, personalisation and instant access, younger travellers aren't hoping for experiences; they're used to them. And lounges are stepping up with benefits that feel intentional, not off-the-shelf. Think:
Quiet spaces away from terminal crowd
Comfortable seating
Spa treatments and wellness options
Wi-Fi and charging stations
Gaming zones for all ages
Showers to freshen up
Complimentary food and drinks
Dedicated workspaces
Priority services, like fast-track boarding
Meet & Assist from friendly agents
The journey ahead
Travel is undergoing a transformation, and it's happening fast. From biometric boarding to AI-powered itineraries, innovation is reshaping every step of the journey. Airports are getting smarter, processes more seamless, and expectations higher.
Our global report Tomorrow’s Journey: Smarter, Faster, Connected, explores what travellers really want, and how airport technology is rising to meet those needs. And for those ready to experience this future of travel today, Priority Pass is already delivering, from lounge access to end-to-end services that support from door to destination.