A recent report from the U.S. Travel Association outlines last year’s travel patterns and offers projections for the industry’s near future. One notable prediction is a shift toward ground travel over air travel. Growing airport security lines and a rising number of travelers missing flights have prompted many Americans planning vacations to choose cars or trains instead of planes.
Data from the U.S. Travel Association covering summer 2016 show that nearly 22 percent of vacationers who traveled between Memorial Day and Labor Day either used ground transportation to reach their destinations or canceled trips altogether because of complications related to air travel. This trend during the peak summer season can meaningfully reduce expected revenues for the travel industry and create a ripple effect across the national economy.
As a response to these challenges, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is considering ways to expand access to its PreCheck program and make the screening process more efficient for travelers. Improving enrollment and streamlining security lanes could help restore confidence in air travel and reduce the incentive to switch to ground options.