A new survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association and Ipsos shows that Americans want a more modern and streamlined experience at domestic airports, with 58% agreeing that getting through airport security is too much of a hassle.
And with 91% of air passengers saying they feel safe while traveling, a majority of respondents support what U.S. Travel calls “common-sense security checkpoint updates” that the government has implemented in certain cases and could consider expanding. These include keeping shoes on (80%), leaving laptops in bags (73%) and allowing larger amounts of liquids in carryon bags (86%).
When it comes to top concerns, two out of three respondents say they are worried about the country’s air-traffic control system, while six out of 10 feel that the U.S. is falling behind in the technology investment required to keep airport security running efficiently and safely.
Our Analysis: Upgrades Are Needed at U.S. Airports, and Soon
With global tourism growing year by year and major events (including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary and the 2028 Summer Olympics) set to drive even more visitation to the U.S., the country can’t afford to have slow, outdated processes at airports — especially when solutions already exist. Biometric security measures, for instance, are 98% accurate and supported by 81% of Americans, according to the latest U.S. Travel poll.
Concern about the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) using biometrics — such as facial scans to verify travelers’ identities — has also significantly eased over the last year. Just 26% of survey respondents expressed concern over facial scans at airport security, down 16 points year over year. (By comparison, 41% are worried about not having Wi-Fi access when they need it.) What’s more, 55% of Americans believe biometric data is more accurate than manual human verification.
As a proposed solution for funding much-needed airport updates, U.S. Travel points to the billions of dollars that have been collected from the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (added to every airline ticket), which are meant to fund TSA operations and airport security improvements. But, according to the organization, Congress has diverted about $1.5 billion annually since 2014 from the fund to other projects.
Regardless of where the dollars come from, investing in upgrades is the only way for the U.S. to meet growing travel demand and remain competitive on a global scale.
Fast Facts: More Survey Findings
- Eighty-nine percent of respondents say every dollar collected from the 9/11 Security Fee should fund modern security technology.
- More than three-quarters believe TSA officers and air traffic controllers should be paid even during a government shutdown.
- Americans on both sides of the aisle want Congress to implement updated security policies in the next three years (81%).
- Respondents are nearly unanimous (93%) in agreeing that the U.S. needs to provide a safe and efficient travel experience for upcoming global events including the World Cup and Olympic Games.
- TSA PreCheck improves the airport experience; 54% of those enrolled in the program say that their experience going through TSA has gotten better in the last five years, compared to only 38% of air travelers overall.
What They Are Saying: Airport Security Funds Should Be Used as Promised
“Americans want the United States to lead the world in travel efficiency, not lag behind it, and they’re telling Congress exactly how to get there: Put the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee back where it belongs,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. “Stealing 9/11 security dollars is shameful. Allocating the fee to proven technology would speed screening, strengthen security and create a more seamless and secure airport experience. It’s a bipartisan fix waiting to happen.”
