U.S. Travelers See Airport Security Improvements
by Richard D’Ambrosio /
United States airport security has seemingly improved for travelers, as satisfaction with wait times and screening measures is gaining.
According to a survey by Travel Leaders Group, overall airport security satisfaction hit 67.5% this year, up from 63.6% last year, while the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with airport screening dropped from 17% to 14.9%.
When it comes specifically to wait times, 4.7% of consumers said they were frustrated with the amount of time it takes to get through baggage screening, down from nearly 14% last year. Slightly more than half of those responding said they were “ok” with wait times, while 43.8% wished airport security screening would go faster (up from 33.8% last year).
Part of the improvement may be due to both the increased number of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff and airline investments in more modern screening equipment that allows faster and more efficient processing of passengers at check-in.
Last spring and the beginning of the summer, tempers flared as the TSA struggled to keep up with peak season crowds at some airports. The TSA reports that it has 2,000 more screeners this summer versus last, and has budgeted for more overtime and part-time help.
Nearly 40% of the respondents are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a program that offers a dedicated faster line through airport security for a five-year, $85 membership fee. TSA PreCheck members are submitted to a background check and fingerprinting, but then don’t need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets at airport screening.
When asked, "Do you think expedited screenings have made a significant difference in wait times at U.S. airports?" the percentage answering favorably has continued to steadily increase, rising to 24.5% this year, versus 20.3% last year. Additionally, 34.6% say these kinds of programs appear to have reduced screening wait times, versus 24% last year.
When asked if they could eliminate one TSA security measure, airline passengers rated "removing of shoes" (27.3%) as the number one procedure. Nearly 21% said “do not eliminate any security measures.” Nearly 20% wished "extensive pat-downs" would be eliminated, while 19.2% were frustrated with "limiting liquids in carry-on baggage" and "laptop removal" (6.0%).
The survey was conducted April 3 to April 30, 2017, and includes responses from 2,854 consumers throughout the U.S.