Driverless cars will disrupt airlines
As driverless cars become more capable and more common, they will change people’s travel habits not only around their own communities but across much larger distances. Our research has revealed just how much people’s travel preferences could shift and found a new potential challenge to the airline industry.
Imagine someone who lives in Atlanta and needs to travel to Washington, DC, for business. This is about a 10-hour drive. A flight takes about two hours, assuming no delays. Add to that the drive to the airport, checking in, the security line and waiting at the gate. Upon arrival in DC, it may take another 30 minutes to pick up any checked bags and find a rental car – and even more, time to drive to the specific destination. The average person would estimate a total travel time of four to five fours. Most people would choose to fly instead of driving themselves.
However, if they could have a fully driverless car take them there, the choice changes. Passengers could eat, drink, work and sleep during the 10-hour drive. They could leave whenever they want, and pack whatever they want – including liquids and pocketknives – with no searches or scans. When they get to DC, they would not have to find a rental car and navigate to the actual place they are going.
Which would you choose? Now imagine the self-driving car has a reclining seat with actual legroom or even a bed. It is more than a little tempting.
