Airlines

In a typical year, approximately how many air trips would you say you take -- counting each round trip as one trip? [OPEN-ENDED]

(Asked of those who travel by air) Based on your own experience, compared to a year ago, do you think it is now -- [ROTATED: more expensive to fly, about the same, (or) less expensive to fly?

As you may know, the price of air travel is expected to increase this summer. If that happens, do you think you will be less likely to fly, or will it not affect your travel plans?

How many air trips, if any, have you taken on a commercial airliner in the past twelve months -- counting each round trip as one trip?

(Asked of those who have flown on an airplane in the past year) Now thinking about some specific aspects of flying today, please say whether you are generally satisfied or dissatisfied with each one. How about -- [ITEMS A-F ROTATED FIRST, ITEMS G-I ROTATED NEXT]?

A. The courtesy of the flight attendants

B. The courtesy of the check-in and gate agents

C. The airlines' on-time performance

D. The price you pay for tickets

E. The schedules, including the options you have for getting where you want to go

F. The speed and reliability of luggage systems at airports

G. The comfort of the seats on the airplanes

H. The procedures for going through security checkpoints

I. The airlines' efforts to deal with problems caused by flight delays and cancellations

(Asked of those who have flown on an airplane at least once in the past year) Overall, would you say you are satisfied or dissatisfied with the job the nation's major airlines are doing?

If you had to fly on an airplane tomorrow, how would you describe your feelings about flying? Would you be -- very afraid, somewhat afraid, not very afraid, or not afraid at all?

Would you say the new security measures at airports around the country since the September 11^th, 2001 terrorist attacks have been an effective part of the government's overall strategy to prevent terrorism, or not?

Are there any security measures currently used in airports that you think should be stopped because they are not effective in preventing terrorist attacks? [Which measures do you think should be stopped?] [OPEN-ENDED]

Do you think the September 11^th, 2001 terrorist attacks and reports of other planned attacks have permanently changed the rules for how Americans fly, or do you think at some point in the future the current rules could be relaxed or eliminated?

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- [random order]?

[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]

A. Requiring Arabs, including those who are U.S. citizens, to undergo special, more intensive security checks before boarding airplanes in the U.S.

B. Banning airline passengers from carrying on board any luggage including purses, computers, and briefcases

Next, please tell me how effective each of the following security procedures would be as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective, or not effective at all? [RANDOM ORDER]

[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]

A. Requiring Arabs, including those who are U.S. citizens, to undergo special, more intensive security checks before boarding airplanes in the U.S.

B. Banning airline passengers from carrying on board any luggage including purses, computers, and briefcases

C. Running all checked luggage through metal detectors and other screening devices

D. Conducting much stricter background checks for airport workers

As you may know, new security requirements were put in place at U.S. airports after a terrorist plot was recently uncovered in London. Airline passengers are now prohibited from carrying most liquids or gels onto airplanes. Do you think this new requirement is an appropriate response, or does it go too far?

Suppose you were taking a flight and had to submit to various security checks before boarding the airplane. Regardless of whether you think it is necessary, would you, personally, find each of the following to be annoying, or not? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

A. Disposing of any liquids or gels or putting them into checked baggage

B. Removing your shoes and belt

C. Having an airport security agent touch you or your clothing as part of a search for prohibited items

Suppose you had to take a trip that people usually take by plane. In order to avoid the hassles associated with air travel these days, would you seriously consider using an alternative means of transportation, such as car, bus, or train, or would you probably fly?