Factors affecting airport access mode choice for elderly air passengers

This research investigates whether elderly air passengers exhibit different mode choice behavior in regard to airport ground access. Using survey data from a Taiwanese sample, our results show that elderly air passengers prefer to ask family members to drive them to the airport, while general passengers prefer to take a taxi. The results also indicate that “safety” is the most important item in the choice of access mode and “user friendly” and “convenience for storing luggage” as the next most important items for the elderly. Elderly passengers are found to be less likely to use public transport than private transport. Factors such as “possessing a car in their household”, “carrying more luggage”, “spending more time spent in the vehicle”, and “higher ticket prices for public transport” increase the propensity for the elderly to use private transport.

► The study explores the needs of elderly air passengers in terms of access to the airport.
► Factors affecting the choice of airport access mode choice are identified.
► Elderly air passengers prefer to ask family members to drive them to the airport.
► Safety is most important factor in the choice of access mode for the elderly.
► Next in importance is user friendly and convenience for storing luggage.