Determinants of Consumers’ Intentions to Reduce Air Travel

Abstract

Although consumer air travel reduction has important societal, economic, and environmental implications, knowledge about the determinants of consumers’ decisions to reduce air travel is sparse. Therefore, the present study develops and empirically tests a model of consumers’ intentions to reduce air travel. To understand the determinants of consumers’ intentions to reduce air travel through this model, we build on anticonsumption theory, which we extend by integrating social dilemma and behavioral reasoning theory. The findings from a survey conducted among air travelers (n = 1,263) reveal that consumers’ decisions to reduce air travel are the result of cognitively weighing the benefits and sacrifices of air travel that are oriented either toward the self (e.g., perceived health risks) or others (e.g., perceived environmental concerns). In addition, the results of a multigroup analysis provide segment-specific implications for practitioners and public policy.