Recently polled Americans are satisfied with or neutral about airport security measures – up from 87.5% last year.

Additionally, according to survey participants, a growing number of travelers are using TSA Pre?™ and more are indicating that the program has reduced wait times at airport screening. The survey was conducted by Travel Leaders Group 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 airportsecurity screening tests, it’s important to note that mistakesare being addressed at the highest levels and steps are being taken to continue to ensure the safety of all travelers passingthrough 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,” Libencontinued. “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.”
 

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.)

The full survey is at http://www.travelleadersgroup.com/americans-remain-very-satisfied-with-airport-security/