Survey Indicates U.S. Travelers Dissatisfied with Airport Security

A survey conducted by U.S. Travel and Ipsos shows that a significant portion of Americans are concerned about the efficiency of airport security in the United States compared to other countries. The poll suggests that Congress could address these concerns by redirecting funds from the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee, which is currently diverted to other projects, back to its intended purpose of funding Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations and airport security improvements.

Since 2014, approximately $1.5 billion annually from the Transportation Security Fund has been redirected to other uses. The survey highlights public demand for these funds to be used to update security technology and improve the screening process, especially with major global events such as America 250, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon.

Key findings from the survey include widespread dissatisfaction with the current airport screening process, with most Americans considering it cumbersome. Two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about the state of U.S. air traffic control. Additionally, there is strong support for security checkpoint updates, such as allowing passengers to keep their shoes on (80% support), leaving laptops in bags (73% support), and permitting larger amounts of liquids (86% support).

The survey also indicates strong backing for the use of biometric technology in airport security. Facial biometrics, reported to have an accuracy of over 98%, received support from 81% of respondents for TSA use and 83% for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) use. Support for biometric technology increases when privacy safeguards are explicitly stated.

Furthermore, 89% of those surveyed believe that every dollar of the 9/11 Security Fee should be allocated to modern security technology. With six in ten respondents worried that the U.S. is lagging behind other countries in airport security, reinvesting the fee is seen as the quickest way to improve it. Additionally, more than three-quarters of respondents believe that TSA officers and air traffic controllers should continue to receive pay during government shutdowns.

The findings suggest a clear public mandate for Congress to reconsider the allocation of the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to enhance airport security infrastructure and processes, thereby providing a more efficient and secure travel experience.