Surge in Chinese holiday travel fuels demand for transfers to Russia, Thailand and Australia

Available seat capacity on international flights during the Lunar New Year holiday rose by 9% year‑on‑year, while China expects a record 9.5 billion passenger trips across the 40‑day travel rush — figures that directly affect airport transfer patterns and local taxi demand in major destinations.

Where Chinese travelers are going at a glance

Bookings show a clear shift in preferences: warm-weather and long‑haul markets have rebounded, with Thailand regaining its top outbound slot due to climate appeal, while arrivals to Avustralya have more than doubled and trips to Rusya have surged after Moscow eased visa rules for Chinese visitors. Conversely, travel to Japan has declined sharply amid political friction, with some routes cancelled and a nearly 49.2% drop in flights over a recent week.

Implications for airport transfers and taxi services

The net effect of higher international seat mileage and concentrated holiday departures is visible at terminals and in urban pick‑up zones. Operators and drivers should expect:

• Increased peak hour demand at major international airports, driving up the need for pre‑booked transfers and meet‑and‑greet services.
• Variable fare pressure in city centers near popular attractions as temporary demand exceeds local supply.
• Higher booking lead times for private cars and larger vehicles (SUVs, 6‑seaters and minibuses) to accommodate family groups traveling together.
• Route congestion — transfers from airports to coastal and resort destinations (e.g., Hainan or major Thai beach towns) will see longer travel times and scheduling adjustments.

How drivers and transfer companies can adapt

To have a mind to manage this spike efficiently, fleets and independent drivers should consider:

• Adjusting shift schedules to cover peak arrival waves rather than static day shifts.
• Offering transparent fare estimates and fixed‑rate airport transfers to reduce disputes and chargebacks.
• Adding multilingual booking pages and driver assignment notes for Chinese‑speaking travelers and groups.
• Stocking vehicles with chargers, water, and simple welcome kits to match higher expectations for experience spending.

Practical tips for travelers booking transfers during the surge

Travelers can reduce stress and expense by booking ahead and specifying vehicle needs. Key tips:

• Book exact pick‑up times based on flight arrival and allow extra time for immigration and baggage.
• Choose the correct vehicle size up front — families with luggage should opt for a larger seater or private van.
• Confirm driver credentials and license information where possible; demand transparency on make, model and driver ratings.
• Use platforms that display fares and vehicle details clearly to compare options and avoid surprises at arrival.

At a glance, destinations such as Thailand and Australia will place extra pressure on taxi markets and transfer services at both airport and city endpoints. For transfer operators, the surge is an opportunity to capture repeat customers by delivering punctual, well‑documented rides.

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To sum up, the extended Lunar New Year break has pushed international seat capacity and bookings higher, reshaping demand toward warm and long‑haul destinations like Thailand, Rusya, and Avustralya, while trips to Japan have fallen. The result is tighter airport transfer windows, variable taxi fares, and greater value in pre‑booking the exact vehicle and driver you want. Platforms that offer transparent pricing, vehicle make and model, driver ratings and flexible booking — such as LocalsRide.com — help travelers and local operators navigate this surge efficiently. Whether you need a private airport taxi, a larger seater for family travel, or a reliable car with driver in a new city, smart booking reduces wait time and hidden fares and ensures you get the best service for your price and schedule.