SKN | Barclays Travel Report Highlights Growing Demand for Rewards, Planning, and AI Tools

Key Takeaways: 

•  Barclays US Consumer Bank released its 2026 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report, showing travelers are increasingly focused on affordability, flexibility, and AI-powered convenience.

•  The report found that 76% of respondents are more likely to select travel upgrades when using rewards points or miles instead of cash, reinforcing the growing importance of loyalty programs.

•  Travel anxiety and rising costs are reshaping consumer behavior, with more travelers over-planning trips, monitoring safety concerns, and relying on digital tools to reduce stress and improve trip experiences.

Barclays Highlights Shift in Traveler Priorities

Barclays US Consumer Bank released its fourth annual Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report, revealing how consumers are adapting to economic pressure, uncertainty, and changing travel expectations.

The report introduces what Barclays calls the “Three A’s” shaping the travel landscape: anxiety, affordability, and AI. These themes reflect how travelers are becoming more strategic about spending, trip planning, and the use of technology throughout the travel experience.

The survey was conducted nationally by Burson and included 1,002 U.S. adults who hold rewards credit cards.

Rewards Programs Continue Driving Travel Decisions

One of the report’s strongest findings was the continued rise of the “upgrade economy,” where travelers increasingly rely on rewards programs to access premium experiences without additional out-of-pocket spending.

According to the survey, 76% of respondents said they would be more likely to purchase upgrades if they could redeem points or miles rather than pay cash directly.

At the same time, 86% of travelers said they actively look for ways to maximize the value of their travel budgets, while 71% said securing a “great deal” remains a top priority when planning vacations.

The findings suggest that rewards flexibility has become a key driver of customer loyalty and travel spending behavior.

Affordability Pressures Influence Spending Habits

The report also revealed a growing gap between how consumers currently use rewards and how they would prefer to use them.

While 59% of respondents redeem rewards for statement credits or everyday expenses, many indicated they would rather apply rewards toward travel-related purposes such as reducing trip costs, covering unexpected travel expenses, or upgrading experiences.

Among respondents seeking different redemption options, 72% said they would prioritize travel uses compared to only 28% focused on everyday spending.

This trend highlights increasing consumer demand for flexible loyalty ecosystems that directly support travel affordability.

Travel Anxiety Is Reshaping Planning Behavior

Barclays’ research found that uncertainty and safety concerns are playing a much larger role in travel planning decisions.

More than half of respondents, or 55%, said they tend to over-plan vacations to avoid unexpected issues during travel.

Safety concerns also remain elevated, with 64% worrying about personal safety at destinations and 58% expressing concern about the security of their belongings while traveling.

Additionally, 32% said news events and geopolitical developments influence their final vacation decisions, underscoring how external uncertainty is affecting destination choices.

AI and Digital Tools Gain Importance

Artificial intelligence and digital travel tools are becoming increasingly important as consumers look for ways to reduce friction throughout the travel experience.

Barclays noted that travelers are seeking more control and convenience through smarter planning tools, automated support systems, and integrated rewards platforms.

The growing role of AI reflects broader changes across the financial and travel industries, where companies are investing heavily in personalized digital experiences and predictive customer engagement.

Barclays Focuses on Personalized Customer Experiences

Doug Villone, Head of U.S. Cards and Partnerships at Barclays US Consumer Bank, said traveler expectations continue to evolve and increasingly require more personalized rewards experiences.

He noted that consumers engage with loyalty programs differently depending on their travel goals, spending habits, and financial priorities, making flexible rewards structures increasingly valuable.

The report reinforces Barclays’ broader strategy of expanding customer engagement through travel-focused credit card partnerships and rewards ecosystems.

Outlook

As travel demand remains resilient despite economic uncertainty, rewards programs, AI-driven planning tools, and flexible redemption options are expected to play a larger role in shaping consumer behavior.

Financial institutions and travel companies that provide greater personalization, convenience, and value may be better positioned to capture long-term customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive travel market.

For confidential insights on consumer finance trends, loyalty program strategies, and evolving travel spending behavior, connect with the SKN team for professional engagement.