Most Americans approve of the Trump administration’s decision to allow travelers to keep their shoes on at airport security checkpoints, but want to see rules loosened even further, according to a new U.S. Travel Association/Ipsos poll.
A majority of travelers still view airport screening as too much of a hassle, the poll found, and solid numbers support proposed changes such as being allowed to keep laptops in bags (73 percent) and carrying larger quantities of liquid through security checkpoints (86 percent).
Overall, 75 percent of air travelers rated their most recent travel experience as excellent or good in 2025, up from 71 percent in 2024.
However, while 91 percent of poll respondents said they felt safe when traveling, more than two-thirds expressed concerns about the nation’s air traffic control infrastructure and 82 percent said air traffic controllers should be paid even during a government shutdown.
Travelers have also become more accepting of biometric technology for identity verification at airports—particularly when privacy protections are explicitly stated—the survey found. For example, 81 percent of Americans said they support the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of biometrics, and 83 percent supported U.S. Customs and Border Patrol use of the technology, according to the survey.
Only about one-in-four travelers expressed concern about having their identity confirmed via facial scans at TSA checkpoints, a 16-point decline year over year.
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said the survey reflects consensus among travelers that the money Congress allocated for airport security should be used for that purpose alone, and not diverted to other uses, such as reducing the national debt.
“Americans want the United States to lead the world in travel efficiency, not lag behind it, and they’re telling Congress exactly how to get there: put the 9/11 Security Fee back where it belongs,” said Freeman. “Stealing 9/11 security dollars is shameful. Allocating the fee to proven technology would speed screening, strengthen security and create a more seamless and secure airport experience. It’s a bipartisan fix waiting to happen.”
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