For some, hassles dim the appeal of air travel

January 14, 2010 |

Is flying worth the hassle? More than one-quarter of American travelers now don't think so, a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds.

More than one-quarter of American travelers now don't think so, a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds. The survey, taken Jan. 5-6, reveals that 27% of those who've flown round trip at least twice during the past year are more likely now than in the past to travel by car, train or another mode of transportation to avoid the inconveniences of flying.

"Traveling by airplane is a necessary evil," says 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."

Thirty-five percent of those who've twice taken a trip during the past year aren't satisfied with procedures for going through security checkpoints. And 76% are dissatisfied with fees airlines charge for checking luggage or rebooking a flight.

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