Latest News
HomeAviationTravel Leaders’ 2012 consumer survey
Satisfaction with airport security increases

Travel Leaders’ 2012 consumer survey

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may be much maligned, it appears as if American travelers are growing accustomed to the variety of security measures they are likely to encounter at airports. Two-thirds (66.2%) of U.S. travelers indicate they are "satisfied" with the level of security at airports – that’s up 6% from last year – and only 17% indicate they are…

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may be much maligned, it appears as if American travelers are growing accustomed to the variety of security measures they are likely to encounter at airports. Two-thirds (66.2%) of U.S. travelers indicate they are "satisfied" with the level of security at airports – that’s up 6% from last year – and only 17% indicate they are "unsatisfied."  In addition, nearly three-quarters (74.4%) of those surveyed say they do not have concerns about full-body airport scanners. This survey was conducted by Travel Leaders Group from April 4 to May 16, 2012, and includes responses from 855 consumers throughout the U.S.

"The vast majority of American air traveler have adapted to today’s airport security measures and, despite any perceived inconveniences, understand that the safety and well-being of all airline passengers is paramount," stated Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben "We work hard to counsel our clients, so they understand what to expect and offer tips on making their airport experience as stress-free as possible.  For those who travel frequently, there is an option for an expedited screening process.  While only half the consumers in our survey say they would be ‘very likely’ or ‘somewhat likely’ to take part in the program, we discuss this option with our frequent travelers – knowing what a benefit it may be to them."

Key Statistics and Findings

Airport Security: Consumers were asked "What’s your level of satisfaction with airport security today?" 2012 2011 2010
Satisfied 66.2% 60.2% 72.9%
Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied 16.8% 18.0% 13.6%
Unsatisfied 17.0% 21.8% 13.5%

Full-body Scanners: When asked, "Do you have concerns about the use of full-body scanners at airport security check-points?" the percentages compared to the last two years are: 2012 2011 2010
No 74.4% 72.2% 81.7%
Yes 25.6% 27.8% 18.3%

For the 25.6% of those who indicated they do have concerns, their top reasons are: "Potential known or unknown health risks" 44.0%, "Privacy issues" 27.9% and "Question effectiveness of scanners" 9.1%.

– In 2011, the top three reasons were: "Health risk – radiation" 40.4%, "Privacy issues" 40.0%, and "Security delays" 10.4%.
– In 2010 the top three reasons cited were: "Privacy issues" 47.6%, followed by "Potential known or unknown health risks" 27.2%, and "Delays getting through security" 19.7%.

The TSA launched "TSA PreCheck" – an expedited screening initiative which requires some travelers to pay $100 and provided personal information (including submitting to a live interview and being fingerprinted) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. We asked consumer how likely they would be to participate in this program?
 

Very likely, anything to speed up the process 21.2%
Somewhat likely 28.0%
Not very likely 39.6%
Not sure 11.2%

This is the fourth consecutive year this consumer travel survey has been conducted. American consumers were engaged predominantly through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as through direct contact with travel clients for the following Travel Leaders Group companies: Nexion, Results! Travel, Travel Leaders, Tzell Travel Group and Vacation.com. Last week, Travel Leaders Group released its findings on American travelers’ "tipping point" on the cost of airfare.

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

29/03/2024
28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024