Until recently, passengers were typically classified into two categories: business and leisure. Fares, service offerings, and schedules were strategized based on these two distinct traveler types. However, as a result of the pandemic, the air travel landscape evolved, blurring the lines between work and holiday travel.

Work hard, play hard

While the demand for 'bleisure' had been growing before the pandemic, the market took off only after the widespread travel disruptions caused by lockdowns worldwide.

So, as the demand for air travel continues to regain momentum, more business travelers are opting to make the most of their work trips by including leisure activities in their travels. In fact, Forbes wrote that as many as 89% of people planned to add personal vacation time to their business travel in 2022.

Another reason ‘bleisure’ is on the rise is the generational shift: the growing population of millennials and Gen-Zs (who tend to value work-life balance more than other generations) in the workforce.

'Bleisure': the perfect blend

'Bleisure' travel has numerous benefits for both travelers and businesses. For travelers, it's a great way to break up the monotony of business travel and explore new destinations. It allows them to experience new cultures, try new foods, and see new sights. Furthermore, some business travelers choose to bring along a companion to spend a few extra days together.

For businesses, 'bleisure' travel can be beneficial as well. It can help attract and retain top talent, as it allows employees to enjoy a work-life balance. Additionally, it can help reduce travel expenses, as employees may be willing to pay for their leisure activities while on their trip. And needless to say, for airlines, the rise of 'bleisure' has created an avenue for new sales opportunities.

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As stated in the "Top Passenger Behavior Trends to Follow in 2023" report by the Passenger Experience Forum:

“Until recently, airlines had divided passengers into two categories, business and leisure, leading the carriers to bifurcate strategies for pricing, seating and schedules. However, since the pandemic, these distinctions got blurred – forcing airlines to reconsider and retool schedules, prices and even the flights themselves to account for the changing tides.”

This change has resulted in more airlines and travel agents offering packages that include both business-class tickets and leisure activities, such as tours. On that same note, some carriers are providing multi-city flights and flexible booking options so that business travelers can extend their trips beyond their business obligations and take advantage of the opportunity to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.

So, what does the future hold for the ‘bleisure’ market? Marvin Lee, account manager for marketing and alliances at Asiana Airlines, told Travel Weekly:

“With the increasing globalization of business and technology, the once-discrete line between business and leisure travel will blur further.”

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Sources: Passenger Experience Forum, Travel Weekly, Forbes