While airport security officials announced a more “comprehensive” physical screening for some airline passengers in March, new findings from Travel Leaders Group indicate Americans are growing more content with airport security. Nearly 68 percent of those recently surveyed stated they are “satisfied” and only 14.9 percent said they are “frustrated” with airport security. The data also showed a significant decrease in individuals aggravated by airport security wait times compared to one year ago, and there is a growing percentage of travelers enrolling in trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Travel Leaders said.
The survey was conducted April 3 to April 30, 2017, and includes responses from 2,854 consumers throughout the United States.
“There were plenty of lessons to be learned from last year’s struggles with extremely long security lines. Based on our newly released survey data, increasing TSA checkpoint personnel and encouraging more travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry have had the desired impact,” said Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko in a written release.
Key Findings
Airport Security Satisfaction: When asked, “What is your level of satisfaction with airport security today?” 67.7 percent indicated they are satisfied and 17.4 percent stated they are neutral about today’s security measures – which is an improvement over last year.
|
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
|
|
Satisfied |
67.7% |
63.6% |
65.8% |
64.2% |
62.2% |
|
Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied |
17.4% |
19.4% |
22.6% |
23.3% |
19.8% |
|
Unsatisfied |
14.9% |
17.0% |
11.6% |
12.5% |
18.0% |
Overall Airport Security Wait Times: When asked, “With regard to how long it takes to get through airport security, are you…” nearly 52 percent of consumers polled are “OK with the amount of time it takes.” There was a significant drop in the percentage of those stating they are frustrated with how long it takes to get through security; just 4.7 percent of respondents noted frustration, compared to 13.9 percent in 2016.
|
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
|
OK with the amount of time it takes |
51.5% |
52.3% |
44.4% |
39.6% |
|
Wish it was somewhat quicker |
43.8% |
33.8% |
44.5% |
46.3% |
|
Frustrated by the amount of time it takes |
4.7% |
13.9% |
11.1% |
14.1% |
Trusted Traveler Programs: When asked whether or not survey participants have enrolled in …
- Global Entry – 21.9 percent said “Yes” up from 18.6 percent in 2016.
- TSA PreCheck – 39.3 percent said “Yes” an increase from 32.4 percent last year.
- CLEAR – Only 2.1 percent indicated they have enrolled in CLEAR.
Expedited Screening: When asked, “Regardless of whether you have TSA PreCheck or not, do you think expedited screenings have made a significant difference in wait times at U.S. airports?” the percentage of those polled answering favorably has continued to steadily increase.
|
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
|
Yes, I use it all the time |
24.5% |
20.3% |
14.4% |
7.6% |
|
Yes, it’s reduced wait times for regular screening |
34.6% |
24.0% |
26.1% |
17.6% |
|
No |
15.2% |
11.1% |
14.5% |
13.1% |
|
I don’t know |
25.7% |
44.6% |
45.1% |
61.7% |
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” (27.3%), “none, do not eliminate any security measures” (20.8%), “extensive pat-down” (19.7%) “limiting liquids in carry-on baggage” (19.2%), and “laptop removal” (6.0%).
- Shoe removal has been the top response the past four years in a row.
- Airline passengers who qualify for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck do not need to remove shoes, computers or 1-quart bag carrying liquids at 160 airports throughout the United States.
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