The latest findings of a survey examining the public’s perceptions of off-island travel offers an optimistic view from Guernsey respondents.
The survey results suggest that more than a third of us believe our future travel needs will be met, with nearly 40% saying they’re satisfied with the destinations we can travel to. More than 40% are particularly satisfied with our current sea links.
The survey
The survey was carried out by Island Global Research.
The 2026 ‘Satisfaction with off-island travel’ survey was conducted earlier this year between 7 January and 1 February.
Guernsey makes up the lion share of the 2,463 respondents across the Crown Dependencies, with 985 residents taking part.
722 respondents were in Jersey, with 756 from the Isle of Man.
Notable Trends and Statistics
In Guernsey, there has been a significant divergence in satisfaction between air and sea travel since 2019, based on the recent and past survey results.
While sea travel has seen a marked improvement, air travel satisfaction has declined sharply.
In fact Guernsey’s sea travel is the only area across all three islands to show positive growth since 2019.
In terms of reliability, satisfaction with Guernsey sea travel rose by 20 percent, from 23% in 2019 to 43% in 2026. Cost satisfaction increased by 17 points, rising from 22% to 39%.
On the choice of destinations open to Guernsey residents, satisfaction also improved by 17 points, similarly climbing to 39%.
These climbs are not mirrored when it comes to the thoughts on air travel however.
Even compared to 2019, the cost of air travel remains the area of lowest satisfaction at 11%, dropping a solitary percentage point from 2019.
Concerns on air reliability saw satisfaction plummet by 26%, falling from 51% in 2019 to 25% in 2026.
The largest factor in decreasing satisfaction over Guernsey’s air-travel options comes in the shape of concerns over destinations, which the satisfaction level dropping by 30%, and almost halving the overall rate down to 32% in 2026.
How do the islands’ opinions compare?
The three islands show varying priorities and concerns regarding transport links:
Jersey residents are the most satisfied with air reliability (39%), whereas Guernsey leads in sea reliability satisfaction (43%). The Isle of Man’s respondents reported the lowest satisfaction for air reliability at 17%.
Guernsey has the highest satisfaction with destination choice, both by air (32%) and sea (39%). In contrast, the Isle of Man saw a 42% drop in air destination satisfaction over the seven year period.
Jersey recorded the lowest satisfaction level with sea travel costs (10%), while Guernsey’s 39% satisfaction in this area is a regional high for the Crown Dependencies.
Guernsey the most optimistic for the future
IGR had quizzed those taking part on their confidence in the future of the travel links.
It was rated on a scale of 0 to 10, where “high confidence” is any score of 7 or above.
33% of residents in both Guernsey and Jersey have high confidence that links will meet their needs over the next five years, compared to just one in five in the Isle of Man (20%).
Guernsey residents showed the highest confidence in lifeline security at 38%.
When it comes to businesses that are reliant on travel links, this image is mirrored.
Confidence that travel links will support tourists or businesses importing and exporting goods is approximately 30% in Guernsey, but drops to roughly 20% in Jersey and the Isle of Man.
How IGR views the findings
The Managing Director of Island Global Research said even despite a vastly improved ferry satisfaction in Guernsey, residents across the Crown Dependencies overall remain concerned about the cost and reliability of travel.
Lindsay Jefferies said: “Our research shows that residents across the Crown Dependencies continue to have concerns about the reliability, cost, and longterm resilience of offisland travel links. Guernsey’s sea travel performs comparatively well, but overall levels of satisfaction and confidence in future provision remain low.
“These findings highlight the need for ongoing investment, clear planning, and open communication to help ensure our islands stay well connected and supported in the years ahead.”