More than 60 percent of those polled by Travel Leaders indicated that they are satisfied with airport security; however, that is lower than one year ago. A large majority (72.2 percent) said they have no concerns about the use of full-body scanners, but again that percentage has dipped from last year, Travel Leaders reported.
As many as 89 percent of those surveyed indicated they have or will be taking at least one leisure trip this year and more than 62 percent said that U.S. State Department Travel Warning play little to no role in their travel decisions. This survey by Travel Leaders was conducted from March 10 to April 10, 2011, and included responses from 953 consumers from throughout the U.S.
“Airport security and the use of full-body scanners continue to be hot topics with travelers and the media, alike,” said Roger E. Block, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group. “One of our top priorities is to provide our clients with the best overall experience possible, which for some may not include flying, but other modes of transportation instead. Whatever the preference, we’re able to counsel them on the best options.”
Key statistics and findings from the report included the following:
Airport Security
Consumers were asked “What’s your level of satisfaction with airport security today?”
Satisfied: 60.2 percent in 2011; 72.9 percent in 2010
Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied: 18 percent in 2011; 13.6 percent in 2010
Unsatisfied: 21.8 percent in 2011; 13.5 percent in 2010
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 last year are:
No: 72.2 percent in 2011; 81.7 percent in 2010
Yes 27.8 percent in 2011; 18.3 percent in 2010
For the 27.8 percent of consumers expressing concerns about the use of full-body scanners, the top three reasons were: “Health risk – radiation” 40.4 percent; “Privacy issues” 40.0 percent; and “Security delays” 10.4 percent. The top three responses in 2010 were: “Privacy issues” 47.6 percent, followed by “Potential known or unknown health risks” 27.2 percent and “Delays getting through security” 19.7 percent.
U.S Travel Warnings
When asked, “What kind of impact do Travel Warnings have on your travel decisions?” consumers responded by using a scale of 1 to 5 with “1” indicating “no impact at all.”
1 (No impact at all): 13.7 percent
2: 19.7 percent
3: 29.3 percent
4: 19.0 percent
5 (Completely changes my travel plans): 18.3 percent
This is the third consecutive year in which Travel Leaders has conducted an online consumer survey to assess travelers’ concerns regarding airport security and U.S. State Department Travel Warnings.
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