Tue, Jun 28, 2011
Nearly Half Of Air Travelers Willing Say They Would Pay Up To
$150 Per Year For Less Hassle
A new survey released Monday shows significant majorities of
frequent business and leisure travelers would pay up to $150 to
enroll in a trusted traveler program. The U.S. Travel Association
recently recommended that a trusted traveler program be put in
place for domestic air travelers, and the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) is currently considering options for such a
program.
The survey, commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association, asked
more than 1,000 adults how likely they were to enroll in a trusted
traveler program that offered expedited, risk-based screening at
major U.S. airports for U.S. citizens who pay an annual enrollment
fee of between $100-150 and undergo a background check. Forty-five
percent of all travelers were very/somewhat likely to enroll, 61
percent of frequent leisure travelers were very/somewhat likely to
enroll, and 75 percent of frequent business travelers were
very/somewhat likely to enroll.
"Travelers deserve a trusted traveler program that provides
predictable wait times at airports and a screening process that
recognizes their low-risk nature," said Roger Dow, president and
CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "We now know that
frequent travelers are willing to pay for a better security
experience. TSA Administrator Pistole is right to pursue a new
approach and we look forward to working with him to develop the
details."
A December 2010 study showed respondents would take two to three
more trips per year if the hassle involved in flying could be
reduced without compromising security. Those additional trips
would add $84.6 billion in travel spending and support 888,000
additional jobs, according to research from U.S. Travel.
U.S. Travel recommends a risk-based trusted traveler program
where travelers can opt-in and voluntarily provide background
information to qualify for expedited screening, similar to trusted
traveler programs operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The idea of a trusted traveler program is gaining momentum in
Congress, and TSA has publicly stated it is considering concepts
for such a program.
More News
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: JAARS, Inc. For decades now, we’ve landed planes on narrow rivers and towering mountains. We’ve outfitted boats and vehicles to reach villages that rarely se>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]