Airline popularity sinking to new low levels
Almost one-third of passengers who have flown at least two round-trip flights during the past year are more likely than ever to take alternatives such as autos, trains or anything else to avoid the inconvenience of flying, according to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll.
The survey raises the question that beefed-up security — plus aggravating airline policies such as double- and triple-digit fees not included in ticket prices — does all this make flying worth the hassle?
"Traveling by airplane is a necessary evil," said Jonathan Laib, 29, a graduate student in Houston who in recent years has been turned off by everything from airport security screening to crowded planes. "You pay more for worse service. … As a general rule of thumb, I’d rather drive than fly."
More than one-third of those who’ve twice taken a trip during the past year aren’t satisfied with procedures for going through security checkpoints. And 76 percent are dissatisfied with fees airlines charge for checking luggage or rebooking a flight.
Not everyone is deterred by security procedures and airline policies. The flip side of the poll: 72 percent are as likely to travel by plane now as before. A majority don’t object to security procedures.
Sixty percent are satisfied with the price of their tickets, compared with 40 percent who are not.
United Airlines has "not seen any change in (the) amount of people traveling" because of new security measures, spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said in an e-mailed response.
Other airlines and aviation analysts say it is too early to measure the impact of additional security measures.
But several analysts say too much inconvenience can cause travelers to stay home, and they will be watching closely to see whether passenger loads decline now that the holidays are past.
By David Wilkening
David
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