Press release

Travelers open to artificial intelligence assistance to build frictionless journeys in mobility sector

May 12, 2026
3 Min read
Travelers open to artificial intelligence assistance to build frictionless journeys in mobility sector
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Evolving technology, data sharing, and more sustainable options top of agenda in search for seamless mobility experience

New research from global technology provider Amadeus has revealed a strong appetite for AI to help overcome friction in the mobility experience. Global Mobility Trends: Decoded, Traveler Insights 2026 finds 68% of travelers are ‘likely’ to use an AI-powered travel assistant to suggest and book transport, and of those, 33% are ‘very likely’ to do so. Research among 3,000 global travelers revealed only 13% are ‘unlikely’ to use AI-powered tools.


Where are travelers looking for help with getting around at each stage of their trip?


Over 80% of travelers surveyed value AI tools for personalized recommendations before and during travel, while nearly 80% appreciate post-trip support like loyalty offers.

“AI is reshaping traveler expectations faster than any other trend, especially in mobility. We see this as a call to action. Throughout the entire trip, hyper‑personalization and real‑time accuracy are now essential, while there is also a need to focus on delivering mobility intelligence. Every recommendation, every update, every booking must be tailored and intuitive.”

Peter Altmann Vice President Mobility and Travel Protection, Amadeus

Travelers are willing to share data

Data sharing and personalization are pivotal in shaping seamless, tailored travel experiences. Travelers understand this, with nearly half (47%) of travelers surveyed willing to provide their driver’s license details in advance to streamline the car rental process, to skip the queue and get their rental car faster. Moreover, a significant portion of travelers surveyed are comfortable sharing their trip details (42%) and passport or ID information (40%) to enhance efficiency.


New possibilities for innovation

Online check-in stands out as the top priority for travelers when it comes to technology, cited by 40% of respondents, followed by significant demand for personalized route recommendations (29%) and real-time travel disruption alerts (29%). Preferences differ by traveler type and region: business travelers favor personalized routes and more sustainable options, while leisure travelers emphasize skipping the counter.


Around half of travelers surveyed would consider using future mobility solutions that are at the forefront of reshaping how travelers move, including smart infrastructure such as connected traffic systems or real-time curb access (58%), electric or hybrid rental fleets (58%), mobility-as-a-service platforms (56%), hyperloop/ultra-high-speed ground transport (52%), autonomous vehicles (48%), on-demand ride pooling (49%), and drone taxis (45%).


Sustainability commands a premium

Over 60% of travelers surveyed globally are willing to pay at least ‘a little’ more for sustainable options, and the trend is particularly pronounced among younger travelers. 75% of gen Z and 70% of millennial respondents are willing to pay more for electric vehicle options, for example, compared to 53% of gen X and just 41% of boomers.


This is repeated when it comes to paying more for mobility providers with sustainability certifications. Younger generations (77% of gen Z and 70% of millennials surveyed) would be willing to pay extra compared to older generations (56% of gen X and 43% of boomers surveyed).


Pain points persist despite innovation

Whether it be through AI, enhanced sustainability options or other technology, mobility remains ripe for disruption. Just 7% of travelers surveyed report a ‘completely smooth’ mobility experience, with language barriers (32%), unexpected costs (31%), poor information (23%), and long queues (21%) identified as major pain points.

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