A majority of Americans think the TSA is alright, according to a new Gallup poll.

When asked how the government agency that handles airport security is doing, 54 percent said the TSA is doing either an excellent or a good job. Yet, when asked if the agency's screening procedures are extremely or very effective at preventing acts of terrorism on U.S. airplanes, just 41 percent agreed. Most said the agency was somewhat or not effective.

The survey, conducted July 9-12, found little difference of opinion between fliers and those who haven't flown in the last year. If anything, more frequent fliers were slightly more positive about the TSA than those who haven't flown recently. Gallup said younger Americans were "significantly" more positive about the agency than seniors, a discrepancy it said may partly reflect the fact that 60 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds have flown within the last year compared with 33 percent of those aged 65 and older.

"TSA employees work hard every day to protect the traveling public," TSA Administrator John Pistole said in a statement. "This positive report reaffirms TSA's commitment to carrying out these responsibilities with efficiency, integrity and in a customer friendly manner."