Travelers Strongly Back Biometric Screening After Record Labor Day Surge, New Survey Reveals

Published on September 6, 2024

In the wake of a record-setting Labor Day weekend for air travel, a comprehensive survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association and Ipsos has revealed growing support for the implementation of biometric screening technology at airport security checkpoints. As the nation’s airports prepare for an even greater influx of travelers in the coming years, the findings highlight a strong preference for enhanced security and more efficient processing to meet the rising demand.

Key Findings:

• A notable 79% of air travelers, along with 78% of the general U.S. population, 80% of Democrats, and 76% of Republicans, are in favor of using biometric technology at TSA checkpoints to confirm the identities of travelers. This bipartisan support underscores a broad agreement on the need for advanced security measures.
• Nearly all Americans (92%) and 95% of air travelers agree that identity verification is a critical TSA function to ensure the safety of the flying public. As security threats evolve, the reliance on biometric technology is increasingly seen as a way to protect passengers while maintaining operational efficiency.
• An impressive 90% of air travelers indicated they would be equally or more likely to support biometric screening if it helped reduce wait times at security checkpoints, addressing a common frustration among frequent flyers.
• The primary motivations for supporting the use of biometrics at TSA checkpoints include national security concerns, with 71% of respondents citing the need to combat terrorism and human trafficking as top priorities. Additionally, 66% highlighted the technology’s potential to improve overall airport safety, placing these reasons above personal convenience or faster travel times.

Data Protection a Top Concern:

• More than half of Americans expressed heightened support for biometric usage if certain data protection safeguards are in place. Specifically, respondents favored measures ensuring that biometric data:
• Is deleted within hours after the trip is completed, preventing long-term retention of personal information,
• Is used solely to prevent terrorism and improve national security,
• Is protected from being shared with other government agencies, addressing privacy concerns raised by the public.

Impact on Future Travel:
The survey results arrive at a critical time for U.S. airports, as they face increasing pressure to handle larger crowds efficiently while maintaining high security standards. With the United States set to host a series of major global events in the coming decade, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, the need for advanced screening technology is more urgent than ever. The introduction of biometric screening could significantly streamline the passenger experience, especially as millions of international visitors are expected to travel to the U.S. for these events.

Next Steps for Biometric Adoption:
Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, emphasized the importance of these findings in shaping future travel policies. “These results demonstrate the crucial role of our Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, which is focused on leveraging biometric technology to enhance security, improve the passenger experience, and protect individual privacy,” Freeman stated. “With the U.S. on the brink of hosting major global events, the implementation of biometrics at our airports is not just beneficial—it’s necessary to efficiently welcome the millions of visitors expected in the coming years.”

The U.S. Travel Association’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, chaired by former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, is currently conducting a year-long study focused on boosting the U.S.’s global competitiveness and improving travel security and efficiency. The study aims to provide actionable recommendations to policymakers and aviation authorities on how best to deploy biometric technology across airports nationwide. The final report is expected to be released this fall.

A Vision for the Future:
As air travel continues to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, the adoption of biometric screening could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of airport security and passenger convenience. Beyond reducing wait times and improving safety, biometric systems offer a seamless travel experience by automating traditionally manual processes such as identity checks and boarding.

The potential for biometric technology to revolutionize the travel industry is evident, and these survey findings suggest that the American public is ready to embrace it. For airports, airlines, and security agencies, this could mark a transformative shift towards a more secure and efficient future for global travel.