Travelers Support Trusted Traveler Programs.

Significant majorities of frequent business and leisure travelers would pay up to $150 to enroll in a trusted traveler program, a new survey by the U.S. Travel Association says. U.S. Travel recently recommended that a trusted traveler program be put in place for domestic air travelers, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently considering options for such a program.

The survey, commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association, asked more than 1,000 adults how likely they were to enroll in a trusted traveler program that offered expedited, risk-based screening at major U.S. airports for U.S. citizens who pay an annual enrollment fee of between $100-150 and undergo a background check.

Forty-five percent of all travelers were very/somewhat likely to enroll, 61 percent of frequent leisure travelers were very/somewhat likely to enroll, and 75 percent of frequent business travelers were very/somewhat likely to enroll.

“Travelers deserve a trusted traveler program that provides predictable wait times at airports and a screening process that recognizes their low-risk nature,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “We now know that frequent travelers are willing to pay for a better security experience. TSA Administrator Pistole is right to pursue a new approach and we look forward to working with him to develop the details.”

The U.S. Travel Association recommends a risk-based trusted traveler program where travelers can opt-in and voluntarily provide background information to qualify for expedited screening, similar to trusted traveler programs operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In recent months, the idea of a trusted traveler program has gained momentum in Congress, and TSA has publicly stated it is considering concepts for such a program.