The 2026 IRF Trends Report highlights how incentive professionals are navigating rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty,...
Research / IRF Airlines Panel: Incentives Recovery Takes Flight
by Incentive Research Foundation
As travel restrictions begin to ease, incentive planners anticipate air travel being a very different experience than it was before COVID-19. The IRF assembled a panel of airline experts from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Etihad Airways to offer insights into the next phase of airline travel. Find out how planning group travel will change, potential shifts in airline products, what new safety precautions airlines are implementing, and what the new airline passenger experience could be.
International Air Transport Association Interactive Coronavirus Travel Regulations Map (map updated daily)
American Airlines Cleanliness: Travel with Confidence (video and travel tips) Caring for Your Safety and Well-Being Throughout Every Touchpoint of Your Travel Journey (PDF)
Delta Air Lines More Space Through Summer: Delta will block middle-seat selection, cap cabin seating through September 30 (article)
Etihad Airways Cleanliness and Hygiene on Our Flights (video) Getting Our Aircraft Ready to Soar Again (video) Etihad Cargo: Food and Medical Supplies (video) Etihad Engineering: Getting Ready to Conquer the Skies Again (video) Thanking our Frontline Heroes Etihad Wellness Infographic Guide (PDF) Etihad Wellness Infographic Guide (PDF)
United Airlines United – A Message from Our New CEO, Scott Kirby (video) Coronavirus Resources: Where to Find Information (PDF) United CleanPlus Infographic (PDF)
This webinar was supported by
This Academic Research in Action explores how cognitive biases shape the effectiveness of incentive and recognition programs. It highlights why well‑intentioned designs often fall short and emphasizes the need for behaviorally informed approaches that account for how people actually interpret rewards.
The incentives industry is entering 2026 amid persistent cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving participant expectations. At the same time, we are seeing optimism in both North America and Europe as organizations embrace the power of incentives to engage and motivate their workforce. During this IRF webinar, our panel will discuss what lies ahead for the incentives industry as reported in…
