Delta’s inaugural Connection Index finds why travelers are prioritizing real-world experiences

A new global trend report from Delta Air Lines, ‘Connection Index: Why We Fly,’ explores the reasons why we choose to fly and in turn, the way it makes us feel. The report is a deeper look at why travelers today are prioritizing authentic experiences during a time of increasing digital obsession and why the pull to immerse oneself in the real world has never been stronger.

Key findings from the research:

• 84% of global travelers say they feel a strong desire to travel and connect with new places and people regardless of what’s happening in the world, a sentiment especially strong with Gen Z and Millennials.
• 79% of global travelers say that when so much content can be generated or altered by AI, experiencing something in person feels more meaningful.
• 80% say travel helps them connect with new people and combat loneliness, which is especially true with men (82%).
• 73% say they have taken a trip specifically to see something in real life they first discovered online.
• 38% say travel helps them be more present in their relationships.

Together, the findings highlight how travel continues to play a powerful role in helping people connect with places, people, and perspectives beyond the screen.

Download the full report to explore the trends shaping how and why the world travels today.