Pets Look Sad When Packing... How Generation Z Is Changing Travel Trends [World is Z Gold]

Generation Z Prioritizes Pets When Planning Vacations
"In an Uncertain Era, Pets Are Symbols of Affection"
Airlines Expand Services for Pets

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s) is recognized as a generation that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era, setting new standards across society. [World is Z Gold] aims to shed light on the lives and values of Generation Z around the world, exploring how they are transforming society.

As the summer vacation season approaches, an increasing number of Generation Z are postponing travel plans because of their pets. This generation tends to perceive pets as both emotional companions and family members for whom they are responsible. Reflecting this shift in perception, airline flights that allow pets on board and travel programs where special memories can be shared with pets are gaining popularity.

Generation Z tends to perceive pets as 'family.' In line with this trend, airline flights that allow pets on board and travel programs where special memories can be shared with pets are gaining popularity. Pixels.

"Pets Are the Top Priority When Planning Vacations"

According to a recent survey conducted by the pet care matching platform TrustedHousesitters of 2,000 pet owners in the United Kingdom, 48% of respondents said, "I travel less since I started keeping a pet." Additionally, 47% responded that they "prefer vacations with their pets over traveling abroad." This trend is especially pronounced among Generation Z. Among respondents aged 18 to 24, 69% said, "My pet seems to look sad while I prepare for a trip." This is nearly double the rate of 35% among respondents aged 65 and older.

Angela Ross, the manager in charge of the survey, stated, "It has become much more common to prioritize pets when making vacation plans." She added, "Since COVID-19, there are far more options available, including travel products and accommodations that allow people to be with their pets."

A pet dog boarding the aircraft during the test flight of Bark Air, an airline dedicated to companion dogs. Provided by Bark Air

Bark Air, the world's first airline dedicated to pets in the United States, is notable for providing an environment where guardians and their dogs can fly together in the same space. Since May of last year, it has reportedly offered spa and exclusive champagne services for dogs on board. In the past, pets were often confined to cages in the aircraft cargo hold or were not allowed to board at all.

Mental health counselor Rebecca Parker analyzed in the UK dog magazine Dogs Today, "Generation Z tends to have a much stronger emotional bond with their pets than previous generations." She explained, "Many young people are postponing traditional life milestones such as marriage or childbirth, and pets are filling that void."

Traveling with Dogs on the Rise in Korea

In Korea as well, demand for pet-friendly travel continues to rise. According to the Korea Tourism Organization's "Status and Perception Survey on Traveling with Pets," the proportion of respondents who had traveled domestically with their pets increased from 53.0% in 2022 to 60.4% in 2024. In particular, the so-called "petcation" trend?where people visit pensions or campsites with their dogs?has established itself as a major travel trend over the past few years.

A passenger is checking in with a dog at Gimpo Airport in Seoul. Photo by Jin Hyung Kang aymsdream@

The five major airlines (Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, T'way Air, Jeju Air, and Eastar Jet) recorded a cumulative total of 43,215 pet transport cases from January to April this year. The annual figures are ▲about 120,391 in 2022 ▲136,614 in 2023 ▲142,976 in 2024, showing a steady increase every year.

The airline industry is diversifying its services for pets. Korean Air operates the "SKYPETS" program, which allows customers to accumulate points based on the number of times they travel with their pets. Jeju Air raised the maximum in-cabin pet weight from 7 kg to 9 kg last month. In addition, a "pet membership" program has been introduced for passengers traveling with pets, expanding customer touchpoints.

The travel industry is also launching a series of specialized products targeting customers who travel with pets. Not only are there pet-friendly accommodations, but programs that combine outdoor activities such as golf are also emerging. Although pet-friendly accommodations tend to be more expensive than regular lodgings, they are often fully booked months in advance.