Here are 15 more of Steve Glenn’s travel industry predictions for 2026

Here are 15 more of Steve Glenn’s travel industry predictions for 2026

This week, I will add predictions 31-45, with my next 15 predictions coming next week. CLICK HERE to read my first 15 predictions. 

31. Airline schedules get more aspirational than reliable – Airlines continue publishing aggressive schedules designed to capture demand rather than reflect operational reality. Aircraft delivery delays, pilot shortages, maintenance bottlenecks, and thin route economics lead to quiet seasonal cuts and last-minute cancellations. Travelers increasingly learn that “for sale” does not mean “secure.” Reliability metrics, historical performance, and carrier recovery strength matter more than ever.

32. Premium economy becomes the new battleground –  As business-class fares stretch further out of reach for both companies and leisure travelers, premium economy evolves into a true middle ground. Airlines invest more in seat comfort, dining upgrades, baggage allowances, and priority services. For many travelers, premium economy replaces business class as the default upgrade—not a compromise, but a calculated value decision.

33. Travel insurance shifts from optional to expected –  Insurance moves from the bottom of the booking page to the front of the conversation. With weather disruptions, medical issues, and schedule volatility increasing, travelers prioritize coverage for trip delay, cancellation, and medical evacuation. The mindset shifts from “hope we don’t need it” to “we can’t afford not to have it.” I have seen too many people lose thousands of dollars because of medical conditions change and weather causes major disruptions. 

34. Airline loyalty programs feel less loyal in 2026—and credit cards gain the upper hand – Dynamic award pricing and shrinking saver inventory continue to frustrate even the most loyal flyers. Airline miles increasingly behave like a variable rebate instead of a true reward system, pushing travelers to stop blindly chasing elite status. Instead, savvy travelers optimize across multiple programs, flexible currencies, and—most notably—premium credit cards. I’m already seeing signs of this shift, with Chase offering Saver Business Class award inventory to Chase Sapphire Reserve customers on United. If this trend expands, credit cards—not elite airline status—may become the most powerful loyalty tool in travel.

35. Smaller airports quietly win in 2026 – Secondary and regional airports continue to gain favor as travelers prioritize predictability, easy parking, shorter security lines, and lower stress. For many trips, avoiding congestion matters more than nonstop access. Convenience—not scale—becomes the real differentiator, especially for short business trips and leisure travel under a week. I use my local airport in Lincoln, Nebraska for exactly this reason. It’s an easy, no-hassle way to start and end a trip, and even with just United and American Airlines, I can reach almost anywhere in the world with a single connection.

36. Hotel “resort fees” face growing backlash – Mandatory fees continue to erode trust, particularly when they add little real value. Travelers grow more price-sensitive and skeptical, while hotels that bundle everything upfront stand out. Transparency becomes a competitive advantage, and properties that simplify pricing earn stronger loyalty and better reviews.

37. Cruise lines move further upmarket – Cruising continues its pivot away from mass-market volume toward higher-yield travelers. New ships emphasize space, curated dining, longer port stays, and enrichment experiences. Expedition cruising, river cruising, and private-charter-style products expand as travelers seek calmer, more immersive alternatives to crowded destinations.

38. Business travel becomes more intentional—and fewer people go –  Companies travel less frequently, but with greater purpose. Fewer attendees, tighter agendas, and clearer ROI expectations define business trips. Senior leaders travel more, junior staff travel less, and hybrid attendance becomes the norm. Every trip must justify its cost, time, and carbon footprint.

39. Visa, entry, and compliance friction increases –  Digital visas, biometric entry systems, and rolling authorization requirements add complexity to international travel. Rules change frequently and vary by passport, itinerary, and transit point. Travelers get caught off-guard more often, making proactive compliance checks and documentation planning essential. Another good reason to use a travel advisor!

40. Hotel brands matter less than the room itself –  Brand loyalty gives way to functional loyalty. Travelers prioritize room size, noise control, climate reliability, strong Wi-Fi, and comfortable workspaces over logos. A great room in the right location beats a famous name with operational flaws. Consistency at the property level matters more than brand promise.

41. Remote-work destinations cool off – The digital-nomad surge normalizes. While long-stay travel remains, it becomes more selective and lifestyle-driven rather than trend-fueled. Travelers choose destinations that support routine, wellness, and community—not just novelty or social-media appeal.

42. AI pricing volatility increases traveler frustration –  Dynamic pricing becomes faster, less predictable, and harder to “time.” Travelers feel constant pressure that prices could change at any moment. This creates anxiety and decision fatigue, increasing demand for professional monitoring, rebooking strategies, and price-protection planning.

43. Travel advisors become risk managers, not just planners – The advisor’s value shifts decisively from booking to anticipation and recovery. Travelers judge success by how disruptions are avoided, managed, or resolved—not how polished the itinerary looks. Advisors increasingly function as personal operations centers in an unpredictable travel environment.

44. Group travel shrinks, but strengthens –  Large groups fade while smaller, purpose-aligned groups thrive. Travelers want shared interests, private transportation, flexible pacing, and deeper experiences. Quality replaces quantity, and group travel becomes more curated, more personal, and more premium.Our newly launched tour AmoreItaly.com is a perfect example of the movement away from buses and toward private driver tours. 

45. Calm becomes the ultimate travel luxury – In a world defined by crowds, noise, delays, and complexity, calm becomes the most valuable feature travel can offer. Travelers gravitate toward experiences that deliver simplicity, predictability, and control. The brands that win are those that remove friction—not add features

FRANCE and GREECE – Fully Escorted, Open To All, Bucket-List Tours!

France – June 15-28, 2026. Ever dreamt of standing on the sands of the D-Day Beaches? Here’s your chance! But this trip is more than just a history lesson. Together, we’ll wander through Monet’s gardens, explore medieval towns, and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. We’ll see how French farmers blend tradition and innovation—from cider-fed beef to world-famous cheeses—and taste the results right where they’re made. We’ll discover France’s art, architecture, and stories—from Gothic cathedrals to Impressionist harbors and the grandeur of Paris. Our day in Champagne promises sparkling cellars, rolling vineyards, and the chance to raise a glass with friends old and new. Click HERE for our detailed tour program. Greece – September 2–15, 2026, a journey of a lifetime designed for curious, culture-loving travelers. We will explore ancient wonders, savor authentic flavors, and discover the warm hospitality that makes Greece so extraordinary. From magnificent Athens to the Peloponnese—marveling at the Corinth Canal, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the ethereal Byzantine city of Mystras, the charming seaside jewel of Nafplion—and on to the captivating island of Naxos. Come share stories, laughter, and experience Greece as it was meant to be. Click HERE for full details. Call or email our friendly group department today at 888.549.1186 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com.

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