BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

One Of Every Seven Travelers Have Recently Missed A Flight Because Of Long Airport Security Lines

Following
This article is more than 5 years old.

Long airport security lines have caused one of every seven travelers to miss a flight in the past 12 months, a new survey reveals.

The survey, conducted for Capital One by ORC International, shows that millennials (ages 20-37) were the age group most affected by backups at security checkpoints. While 14 percent of all people surveyed missed their flights, 28 percent of millennials surveyed say they weren't able to board on time and were left behind.

Capital One's survey reveals that the lines at airport security checkpoints not only cause travelers to miss flights but have a major impact on the way Americans travel. About two-thirds of travelers say airport security lines influence the way they pack and dress for a trip and the time they arrive at an airport.

“These stats may suggest that many consumers are changing their behaviors because of long security wait lines,” says Lauren Liss, vice president of US Card at Capital One. “They are planning strategically in the hopes of breezing through the airport to kick off their hard-earned vacation more quickly."

Capital One says its survey was conducted online June 4-6 among "a demographically representative U.S. sample" of 1,004 adults — 502 men and 502 women — 18 years of age and older. No estimates of sampling error were calculated, because the survey was comprised of people who self-selected for participation.

The survey also shows that:

  • One of every five people who say lengthy security lines influence the way they pack limit the number of child-related items they might need. Nearly three-quarters of baby boomers (ages 54-72) say they’ve “learned to pack like a pro” because of the security procedures.

  • The majority of survey respondents who say lengthy security lines influence the way they dress wear slip-on shoes and don't wear a belt or jewelry that would need to be removed.
  • Nearly half of respondents who say their airport arrival time is influenced by security lines say they typically arrive 90 minutes to two hours ahead of their flight.

Travelers who want to reach into their wallet may be able to avoid lengthy airport security lines. By paying $85 to the Transportation Security Administration for a five year pre-check membership, travelers can avoid removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and jackets at the checkpoints.

The TSA says that 92 percent of pre-check members waited less than five minutes in line in May 2018. The agency says that the program has more than 6 million members and is operation at more than 200 U.S. airports.

Though many travelers may get frustrated, annoyed or angered by long security lines, nearly two-thirds of Capital One survey respondents agree or strongly agree that they are happier or more personally fulfilled because they’ve traveled in the past 12 months. Three-quarters of respondents with children at home say they feel the same way. 

When asked what they would be willing to give up in order to take family trips regularly, more than two of every five survey respondents say they would give up luxury possessions. More than one-third would bypass entertainment purchases, and about one in five would opt out of higher pay at work.

Follow me on Twitter