Finding Peace Above the Clouds: Sundays in September

For travelers seeking a quieter flight experience, devoid of the energetic buzz that children bring to the cabin, Hopper's data has pinpointed Sundays in September as the optimal time to fly. This insight is especially valuable for those who prefer the company of fellow adults, perhaps desiring a more serene environment to read, work, or simply enjoy the journey.

A Closer Look at the Data

Hopper, renowned for its travel insights, reveals that only 4.6% of Sunday bookings include children, compared to the busier Saturdays where this figure jumps to 6.6%. Thursdays and Fridays follow closely as favorable options, with child passengers making up just 4.9% and 5.0% of bookings, respectively. Conversely, mid-week flights, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, see a higher prevalence of young travelers, aligning with the weekend being a popular time for family travel.

Summer months unsurprisingly see a surge in child travelers, aligning with school vacations, followed by the winter holidays and spring break periods. This pattern underscores the influence of the academic calendar on family travel habits.

Destination Insights

For those particularly keen on avoiding flights with children, Hopper's analysis suggests favoring destinations like Las Vegas, known for its adult-oriented entertainment, over family magnets like Orlando. The latter, with attractions such as theme parks and resorts, is a top choice for families, especially those with children under 12 and infants under 2 years old.

Navigating Family Travel

Amidst these insights, it's also noted that the Biden Administration has been advocating for airlines to accommodate families by allowing them to select adjacent seats at no extra charge. Airlines like Alaska, American, Frontier, and JetBlue have already embraced this approach, ensuring that children 13 and under can sit next to an accompanying adult without additional fees.

This data not only assists those seeking quieter flights but also highlights the broader dynamics of travel preferences across different demographics, underscoring the diverse needs and expectations of today's travelers.