Who travels by plane? A picture of European users of air transport by income level

Abstract

Air travel demand growth in Europe during the last decade and market entry of low cost carriers following intra-EU liberalisation, have helped to spread the idea that travel by plane has become affordable for most people. However, based on the analysis of recent mobility surveys conducted in some European countries, we show as the stated raise in air passengers is mainly the result of increased travel undertaken by a relatively small number of people with high income levels.