Survey by Travel Leaders Group asks U.S. travelers about airport security wait times, expedited screenings and what impact, if any, terrorist attacks have on travel decisions. 88.4% indicated they are satisfied with or neutral about today's security measures – up from 87.5% last year.
PLYMOUTH, MINN. – Despite the acting head of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) being reassigned due to unfavorable results from recent tests of airport security, recently polled Americans are quite content with today’s airport security. In fact, 88.4% indicated they are satisfied with or neutral about today’s security measures – up from 87.5% last year. Additionally, according to survey participants, a growing number of travelers are using TSA PreCheck and more are indicating that the program has reduced wait times at airport screening. The survey was conducted by Travel Leaders Group – a $20 billion powerhouse in the travel industry – from April 3 to April 30, 2015, and includes responses from 3,371 consumers throughout the United States.
“We are entering the peak summer travel season and many people will be flying to their summer vacation destinations. Americans have grown accustomed to enhanced airport security procedures that allow for a more stress-free experience for many travelers,” stated Barry Liben, CEO of Travel Leaders Group. “While a recent watchdog report highlights lapses in airport security screening tests, it’s important to note that mistakes are being addressed at the highest levels and steps are being taken to continue to ensure the safety of all travelers passing through our nation’s airports.”
“In our survey, we also asked Americans whether terrorist attacks in popular international destinations would deter them from traveling. Resoundingly, 78.3% of those polled indicated they won’t let extremists keep them from experiencing what the world has to offer, while just 19.3% prefer to travel domestically,” Liben continued. “On a daily basis, as advocates for our clients, Travel Leaders Group’s travel agents constantly provide the latest information and facts – including from the State Department – so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.”
The latest findings released from Travel Leaders Group’s “2015 Consumer Travel Survey” include:
Airport Security Satisfaction: When asked, “What is your level of satisfaction with airport security today?” 88.4% indicated they are satisfied with or neutral about today’s security measures – up from 87.5% last year. The percentage of travelers expressing dissatisfaction with TSA continues to decline and is at its lowest level since Travel Leaders Group first began asking this question in 2010.
|
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
|
|
Satisfied |
65.8% |
64.2% |
62.2% |
66.2% |
60.2% |
72.9% |
|
Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied |
22.6% |
23.3% |
19.8% |
16.8% |
18.0% |
13.6% |
|
Unsatisfied |
11.6% |
12.5% |
18.0% |
17.0% |
21.8% |
13.5% |
TSA PreCheck: When asked, “Has the TSA PreCheck program at U.S. airports made a significant difference in wait times for security screening?” the percentage of those polled answering favorably increased overall by 15.3%, even though a plurality were unsure.
|
2015 |
2014 |
|
|
Yes, I use it all the time |
14.4% |
7.6% |
|
Yes, it’s reduced wait times for regular screening |
26.1% |
17.6% |
|
No |
14.5% |
13.1% |
|
I don’t know |
45.1% |
61.7% |
Terrorism and Travel Decision: When asked, “Because of recent terrorist acts taking place in popular international destinations, are you less likely to plan an overseas trip? A significant percentage of Americans polled (78.3%) indicated they would continue to travel internationally.
- No way; I won’t let that keep me from seeing the world 29.9%
- No, not at this time, but it might in the future 48.4%
- Yes, I’m choosing to travel within the U.S. rather than abroad 19.3%
- Yes, I’m just going to stay home 2.4%
Additional Statistics and Findings:
- State Department Travel Advisories: Travel Leaders Group also wanted to gauge how much impact U.S. State Department travel advisories have on Americans’ leisure travel decisions. Of those polled, 9% indicated “very little to no impact,” while 45.9% stated “some impact.”
- Overall Airport Security Wait Times: When asked, “With regard to how long it takes to get through airport security, are you…” 5% of consumers polled “Wish it was somewhat quicker,” 44.4% are “OK with the amount of time it takes,” and only 11.1% state they are “Frustrated by the amount of time it takes” to get through airport security, which is down from 14.1% in 2014.
- Expedited Screening: It should also be noted that when asked, “Have you experienced ‘expedited’ screening at an airport in the last 12 months?”1% stated “Yes” and 46.9% said “No.” In 2014, 60% of those polled said “No.”
- Eliminate One TSA Security Measure: With regard to TSA security screening at the airport, when asked, “Which of the following TSA security measures would you most like to eliminate?” the top responses were: “removing of shoes” (31.5%), “none, do not eliminate any security measures” (23.1%) and “limiting liquids in carry-on baggage” (19.2%). Shoe removal was also the top response in 2014 (31.7%) and 2013 (27.9%). (Those airline passengers who qualify for TSA Pre? do not need to remove shoes, computers or 1-quart bag carrying liquids.)
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
