Travel frustrations were down in the last quarter of 2007, according to a survey of 1,000 business and leisure travelers by travel insurance provider Access America. The aggregated hassle factor came in at 3.9 out of a possible 10, down from 4.1 in the year's third quarter, reported the company, which questioned travelers from November 26 through December 3. Sixty-two percent of leisure travelers and 26 percent of business travelers said they plan to travel more in 2008.
"We anticipated frustrations peaking as a result of the hassles associated with holiday travel, but the survey found that was not the case," said Mark Cipolletti, vice president of Access America. "The lower rating, along with the growth indicators for 2008, is a surprise. And the results are good news for the travel industry."
At 78 percent, travelers were most frustrated by the price of gas, while 41 percent of travelers were irritated by Homeland Security issues. Meanwhile, the frustration factor of the cost of lodging and attractions went up from 44 percent in the third quarter to 48 percent in the end months of 2007.
As for the least irritating aspect of travel? Booking the trip, whether online or through a travel agent, the survey found. Visit http://www.accessamerica.com. (JM)