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Old December 20th, 2011, 03:34 PM posted to rec.travel.air
Fly Guy
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Default Holiday Blues: 39 Percent of Air Passengers Don't Want to Fly

http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/was...nt-want-to-fly

Holiday Blues: 39 Percent Don't Want to Fly
December 19, 2011

If the thought of traveling during the Christmas holidays makes you ill,
you're in good company. A new travel industry survey finds that 39
percent would rather take the bus than fly. Irked by new travel
security requirements, higher traffic and the clutter of presents, many
air travelers express frustration about flying.

Lessening the hassles, said the U.S. Travel Association, could win back
customers. "Our research shows that reducing hassle without compromising
security will encourage more Americans to fly — as many as two to three
additional trips a year — leading to an additional $85 billion in
spending that would support 900,000 American jobs," said Roger Dow,
president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

When it comes to holiday air travel, a striking number of passengers
would rather not fly. Two out of every five passengers (39%) would
rather take another form of transportation (e.g., auto, train, bus RV)
than fly to reach their final destination.

- A majority of passengers (70%) say they will check at least one
bag during their holiday travels.

- A majority of all passengers (58%) will bring holiday gifts
with them.

- More than half (63%) will check their holiday gifts.

- One third (32%) will carry their gifts onto the plane.

- Most passengers traveling without gifts chose to ship them
to their final destination (65%).

- About one third (32.8%) of travelers said they avoid flying
with gifts because it is too much hassle.

- Most passengers (56%) are unaware of the Transportation Security
Administration's (TSA's) new pat down policy for children.

- More than one third (35%) of passengers don't know how much
airlines will charge for their checked bag.