Following the claim last week by BA’s chairman that airport security measures, such as shoe and laptop checks, have gone too far, a brand new poll reveals that half of Brits agree and believe the security checks should be readdressed.

The research, carried out by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest site, on over 1,300 Brits* over the last five days, reveals a nation divided on the issue. The poll ran over the weekend as news broke about the explosive devices discovered at East Midlands airport. Just over half (51%) agreed with BA’s chairman that airport security checks have gone too far, while just under half (49%) are comfortable with the measures currently in place.

Emma O’Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor comments, “Airport security is always a sensitive topic, and even more so following the recent discovery of the explosive devices at East Midlands airport a few days ago. While many British travellers agree with BA’s comments about unnecessary checks, an almost equal number, quite likely in light of this recent scare, maintain that airports are right to be extra cautious.”

Poll carried out on 1,302 TripAdvisor users on www.TripAdvisor.co.uk between 28th Oct- 1st November 2010.