As the holiday season approaches, airports become bustling hubs of activity, especially during the peak travel months of November and December. According to USA Today, December 1st is typically the busiest travel day of the year, with 2.9 million passengers traveling throughout the country on that day in 2023. With millions of travelers passing through JCDecaux terminals, brands are seizing this opportunity to launch targeted advertising campaigns aimed at capturing the attention of holiday shoppers on the go.
Holiday Shopping Starts Early
With holiday shopping starting earlier each year, brands like Apple and Amazon are implementing strategic marketing initiatives to remain top of mind for consumers during their travels. According to KPMG’s 2024 Consumer Holiday Shopping Survey, 31% of consumers planned to start shopping in October while 42% planned to start this month. As the bulk of consumers begin or continue gathering gifts, Apple is focusing on promoting its payment options, ensuring that travelers remember to use their devices for quick and convenient transactions. As people search for gifts for their loved ones, Apple aims to be part of that decision-making process, making it easier for customers to buy gifts at the airport and beyond.
Meanwhile, Amazon has positioned itself as the go-to destination for holiday gifting. With the e-commerce giant’s extensive range of products, it’s no surprise that it wants to be the first-place travelers think of when hunting for the perfect gifts. By leveraging our full-coverage digital advertising networks across LAX and DFW, Amazon ensures multiple touchpoints with travelers to effectively promote their deals for early holiday shoppers, appealing to the urgency that many feel during the holiday season, and promote their Ring home security product line. With easy online and in-app shopping options for consumers on their mobile devices, Amazon is capitalizing on downtime travelers have in this high-dwell-time environment.
Tis the Season for Seasonal Events
In addition to retail opportunities, brands are recognizing the importance of creating shared experiences for families traveling together during the holidays. Campaigns that highlight seasonal events, such as Coca Cola’s “Classic Christmas” immersive event series or Disney’s magical offerings at destinations like Disney Springs, resonate with families seeking to make cherished memories. Airports can serve as platforms for these brands to make emotional connections with consumers, emphasizing themes of togetherness and celebration.
Coca Cola’s festive advertising promotes their local Texas holiday events across IAH, HOU, and DFW to encourage both tourists and locals to check out the festivities while in town. Their creative focuses on promoting specific seasonal experiences, like caroling, ice skating, and photos with Santa, while Disney’s captivating full-motion advertising leverages classic Christmas imagery to showcase the joy-filled experiences they have available for families. These efforts are central to connecting with travelers looking for ways to bond with loved ones during the hectic holiday travel period.
As we move deeper into the holiday season, it’s clear that brands are strategically planning their airport advertising to capture the attention of a diverse audience of travelers. By creating engaging, memorable campaigns that prioritize convenience and shared experiences, they aim to leave a lasting impression during this critical shopping season.