Trusted Traveller Program Memberships Surge as Demand for Smoother Airport Experiences Grows
by Marsha Mowers
As global travellers increasingly prioritize seamless airport experiences and enhanced safety, enrolment in Trusted Traveler Programs—such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry—continues to climb, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey of North Americans.
More than half of surveyed travellers (52%) report they already hold a membership.
The growth is being driven largely by U.S. travellers, 64% of whom are enrolled, compared with just 20% of respondents from other countries. Women reported slightly higher participation rates than men (57% vs. 52%), highlighting the value travellers place on predictability, comfort, and reduced stress.
Among those already enrolled, the top motivators include:
- Saving time at the airport (45%)
- Less hassle and fewer restrictions (20%)
- Lower stress and greater convenience (30%)
“Frequent travelers recognize that speed and predictability at the airport make a tremendous difference in the overall journey,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have become essential tools for managing the travel experience.”
However, not all travellers are ready to sign up. About 21% of respondents say they do not plan to enroll, citing limited perceived value (35%), application complexity (17%), and membership fees (14%). Privacy and biometric data concerns continue to be notable deterrents, particularly among women (11%) and non-U.S. respondents (9%).
“While convenience is universal, privacy and cost remain barriers for some,” Richards added.





