People who still print their flight itineraries usually share these 7 traits

Olivia Reid by Olivia Reid | May 13, 2025, 1:41 pm

In today’s digital age, the act of printing flight itineraries may seem a bit old fashioned. But you’d be surprised how many people still prefer the comfort of a physical printout.

I’m one of them. And after some observation and self-reflection, I’ve come to realize that those of us who print our flight schedules often share some common characteristics.

These aren’t random traits either; they’re more like habits or tendencies that reveal a lot about our personalities and even our approach to life. I’ve compiled a list of seven traits that I believe are most prevalent among us itinerary printers.

Get ready to nod in agreement or shake your head in disbelief as we delve into the shared characteristics of people who still print their flight itineraries, even in this digital age.

1) They value preparation

There’s something to be said for being prepared. And those of us who print our flight itineraries are a testament to that.

When it comes to travel, there are so many unknown variables that can throw a wrench in your plans. Flight delays, gate changes, or even unexpected layovers can all cause stress and confusion.

But having a printed itinerary on hand helps to alleviate some of that uncertainty. It’s like having a roadmap for your journey, providing you with a sense of control and preparedness.

It’s not just about having the information at your fingertips either. The act of printing the itinerary itself is often seen as a form of mental preparation, helping us to visualize our journey and mentally prepare for what lies ahead.

If you’re someone who prints your flight itineraries, chances are you’re someone who values preparation and likes to stay ahead of the game.

2) We’re a bit of a control freak

I’ll admit it, I like to have control over things. Especially when it comes to traveling. There’s something comforting about having all the details of my trip neatly organized and readily available in one physical document.

Sure, I could rely on my phone or laptop to access my itinerary, but what if the battery dies or I can’t find a Wi-Fi connection? Or worse, what if I lose my device entirely?

I remember once when I was traveling overseas and my phone decided to stop working just as I was about to board my connecting flight. Panic ensued as I frantically tried to remember the details of my next flight.

Thankfully, I had a printed copy of my itinerary in my carry-on bag. That piece of paper was a lifesaver. It allowed me to navigate through the airport confidently, without having to rely on faulty technology.

So yes, we itinerary printers may have a bit of a control freak streak in us. But when it comes to ensuring a smooth travel experience, having that extra level of control can make all the difference.

3) We’re more likely to be detail-oriented

Being detail-oriented is a trait often associated with individuals who print their flight itineraries. This isn’t just a random assumption, but a characteristic supported by psychological studies.

Research indicates that people who prefer tangible items over digital versions tend to pay more attention to details.

This is because physical documents generally require more interaction and focus, from turning pages to highlighting important information.

In the context of travel, this translates to a meticulous approach towards planning and organization.

From triple-checking the flight dates and times, to noting down the exact airport terminal, we take the time to ensure everything is accurate and in order.

If you find yourself reaching for the printer before a trip, it’s likely that you have a knack for spotting the fine details that others might overlook.

4) We appreciate the tangible

In a world that’s increasingly digital, holding a physical document can feel oddly satisfying. There’s a certain tangibility to it that a digital screen just can’t replicate.

For us itinerary printers, this appreciation for the tangible extends beyond just flight schedules. We’re often the ones who still enjoy reading physical books, writing handwritten notes, or maintaining a paper planner.

It’s not just about nostalgia or resistance to technology. It’s about the sensory experience that comes with interacting with physical objects – the feel of paper between your fingers, the smell of ink, even the sound of pages turning.

If you’re still printing out your flight itineraries, it might be a sign that you have an appreciation for the tangible things in life.

5) We find comfort in routine

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a creature of habit. There’s a certain comfort that comes from knowing what to expect, from having familiar routines to anchor my day.

Travel, by nature, disrupts those routines. It’s a whirlwind of new experiences and unexpected changes, which can be exciting but also a little daunting.

Printing my flight itinerary has become a part of my pre-travel routine. It’s a small act, but it offers a sense of familiarity and comfort amidst the chaos of packing and planning.

It’s a ritual that signals the start of an adventure, a tangible reminder that I’m about to step out of my daily routine and into something new.

If you’re someone who still prints your flight itinerary, it might be because, like me, you find comfort in routine and familiarity amidst the uncertainty of travel.

6) We’re proactive problem solvers

Travel often comes with its fair share of unexpected challenges. Lost luggage, language barriers, or even just navigating a new city can all pose potential problems.

But one thing I’ve noticed among us itinerary printers is our ability to anticipate and proactively address these issues.

Having a printed itinerary acts like a safety net, providing key information and details that can help us solve problems more efficiently.

Missed a connecting flight and need to rebook? The booking reference is right there on the paper. Need to catch a taxi but don’t speak the local language? The hotel address is printed clearly for the driver to see.

Ultimately, having a printed flight itinerary is just one of the ways we demonstrate our proactive problem-solving skills.

It’s a simple act that prepares us for the unexpected and equips us to handle travel hiccups with ease. So if you’re still printing your flight details, it’s likely that you’re a proactive problem solver at heart.

7) We embrace balance

In a world that’s increasingly digital, it can be easy to overlook the value of striking a balance between the old and the new. But those of us who print our flight itineraries understand this.

We’re not technophobes. We appreciate the convenience and efficiency that technology provides. But we also recognize the value of traditional methods and the unique benefits they offer.

Printing our itineraries is a small act, but it’s symbolic of a larger mindset – one that embraces balance. We understand that advancement doesn’t have to mean completely abandoning the old ways.

It’s about integrating the best of both worlds to create a travel experience that’s seamless, comfortable, and uniquely ours.

Final thoughts: It’s about the journey

At its core, travel is about more than just reaching a destination. It’s about the journey, the experiences, and the personal quirks that shape our adventures.

Those of us who still print our flight itineraries have our own unique approach to travel. It’s a blend of tradition and modernity, control and spontaneity, detail-orientation and big-picture thinking.

But it’s not just about printed papers or digital screens. It’s a reflection of who we are as individuals – our values, our habits, and our ways of navigating the world.

Whether you’re a proud itinerary printer or a digital devotee, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to travel. It’s your journey to shape, in whichever way feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.

As the famous saying goes, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Perhaps, in this case, it could also be about having a printed itinerary in hand.