10/28/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2024 05:13
Ahead of the holiday season, JBL, the leading audio brand known for pushing boundaries through sound and innovation, set out to learn more about how Americans will combat the biggest travel stressors. Amid all the chaos that comes with flying across the country and commuting from city-to-city, 83% of Americans say that the right pair of headphones/earbuds will get them through mosttravel challenges.
Headphones are a Must-Have for Holiday Season Travel
Most Americans will find themselves in cramped and tight spaces this holiday season - 82% of Americans will hit the road and get to their destination via car, while 40% of Americans plan to fly and will book economy seats. The most common stressors Americans will face are misplacing important documents like an ID or passport (28%), missing a flight (27%), and losing luggage or a phone (20%).
A Noisy Seatmate is a Major Travel Nuisance
From delayed departures to lost luggage, plenty can go awry during the busiest travel season of the year. When it comes to flying 30,000 feet in the sky, Americans prioritize space and silence above all. The most common airplane annoyances are when the person sitting ahead reclines their seat all the way back (29%), a neighbor doesn't use earbuds/headphones on their computer or phone (27%), or when a person chooses to sit next to them on a nearly empty flight (18%).
Noise canceling audio will be an essential earbud feature this season, with Americans admitting that they'd go to great lengths to avoid noisy seatmates. If given the choice to sit next to someone who listens to their audio aloud or switch with someone else, a whopping 68% would choose an aisle seat, 33% would take on the responsibility of sitting next to an emergency exit, and 22% would resort to a seat next to the airplane restrooms.
The Key to Quiet Travel
Ultimately, Americans believe fellow travelers should wear earbuds/headphones in public to simply be considerate of others (83%). With music or podcasts being the optimal way to tune out a long flight or bus ride, it only works effectively when it doesn't interfere with the comfort of seatmates.