Heightened travel security ‘necessary’ despite delays

British business travellers have voiced “overwhelming support” for enhanced airport security measures to combat terrorism, a new study shows.

More than 90% said they felt safe when travelling for business through airports, with only a small proportion (6%), saying they do not feel secure.

Of the minority who feel unsafe, the global security threat was indicated by the highest majority (41%) as being of greatest concern. 

Increased security measures were welcomed as necessary despite the delays caused. 

There was overall support for security checks, with 82% happy to undergo precautionary checks, while just 10% believing they are unnecessary and time-wasting.  

But those at a more senior level were less tolerant of security precautions with a higher number of CEOs (17%) feeling that airport checks were a waste of time.

Almost half (48%) of all 3,000 respondents to the Barclaycard Business Travel Survey said they would like to see enhanced measures on other forms of transport.

More than three quarters (79%) felt security on trains and at stations could be improved. 

By contrast, only nine per cent feel that further protective measures should be introduced to the London Underground.

Corporate travellers based in Greater London were least concerned about travelling to an unknown location (22%), while those from the East Midlands (69%) found travelling to new destinations a concern.

In addition to regional attitudes, the survey also highlighted opinions towards personal safety with almost half (46%) having concerns about personal wellbeing. 

Younger business travellers were more concerned about personal security than their more senior counterparts with more than half, (51%) of 18-30 year olds highlighting this concern, compared with 43 per cent of those aged 66 and over. 

Women were more concerned (61%) about their personal security when travelling on business than men (44%).

Married employees (45%) are the most concerned about security when travelling on business. Those in a relationship (32%) and singles (27%) are the least concerned.

Older employees feel their health is a more important factor when travelling on business than security.  72% of ‘51 year old and over’ worry most about health when travelling.

Personal security is something that concerns almost half (46%) of business travellers.

Barclaycard Business commercial cards director Denise Leleux said: “These results confirm that while security is a key concern for business travellers, British executives on the whole welcome increased measures put in place by governments and organisations. 

“The business traveller is by necessity quite resilient and continues to travel despite international security concerns, as the increase in travel this year has demonstrated.”

by Phil Davies