Travelocity compares top destinations and booking behaviors on iPhone and Android devices
DALLAS, Texas (December 19, 2018) – Mac or PC. iOS or Android. Samsung Galaxy or iPhone 8. The debate over which tech brands, devices and operating systems people prefer is one that’s long divided households and workplaces. New data from OTA brand Travelocity now finds that the tech we choose – particularly which mobile phones we prefer — reveals a lot about our travel habits, too.
Travelocity compared booking preferences and behaviors on Android and iOS devices in its mobile app over the past year and found that users differed not only in where they travel, but how they travel. Both Android and Apple users travel more domestically than internationally, but when they do go abroad, Apple users are more likely to book a European vacation while Android users prefer Latin America. The United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Ireland ranked in the top 10 for iOS devices while Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica rounded out the top 10 for Android users.
When traveling stateside, Android users book Texas more than any other U.S. state, visiting San Antonio, Houston and Dallas most often. Apple users prefer California, spending more time in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco.
Android users are most likely to splurge on a last-minute deal. More Android devices booked trips 0-1 days out compared with 31-60 days out for iOS users. Android users book more hotels in the app while Apple users reserve more cars and flights. Where users stay also differed by device. iOS users booked more 4-star hotels where Android users stayed more often at 2-star properties.
As travelers across both devices increasingly turn to their phones to book their next trip, Travelocity has upgraded its mobile app to help travelers on the go. In May Travelocity introduced live social chat to Android devices, allowing both iOS and Android users to connect with a trained travel agent via Facebook Messenger or Twitter. Of those who use the feature, nearly 30 percent live chat with customer support via Facebook Messenger and 10 percent chat with an agent on Twitter.
A new augmented reality experience that allows travelers to take photos and videos with the brand’s popular spokesperson, The Roaming Gnome, launched at the end of October in the app for both Android and iOS. One in five users who try the AR experience re-engage with the feature and spend more time – nearly 2 minutes 30 seconds – using it.
“We’ve designed our mobile experience to provide travelers service, inspiration and value at every step of their journey,” said Krista McDougal, General Manager of Travelocity. “Whether it’s helping customers when they need it the most, like during last year’s hurricane season when we saw a 400 percent spike in use of our in-app customer service feature, or saving customers up to 75 percent off on last-minute deals, we’re invested in helping travelers anytime, anywhere.”
The Travelocity app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices from the Apple or Google Play store.
About Travelocity
Travelocity encourages travelers to “Wander Wisely™” and is dedicated to being the champion of the customer by making the traveling experience both simple and memorable with expert advice, competitive prices, the Price Match Guarantee and exceptional customer service. Based in Dallas, Texas, Travelocity is owned by Expedia Group, one of the world’s leading travel companies, with an extensive brand portfolio that includes many of the world’s leading online travel brands.
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