This article was produced in partnership with U.S. Travel Association.
We all have a travel wish list. Sure, there are dream destinations and bucket-list adventures—but what about the wish list for how we experience travel itself? The one where airport lines aren’t endless, security checks are quick, and navigating customs doesn’t feel like a marathon.
Let’s be honest: how many times have you delayed a trip, not because you didn’t want to go, but because the thought of airport chaos drained your enthusiasm? What if travel didn’t have to be this exhausting?
A Better Way to Travel
Imagine breezing through security without pulling out your ID or boarding pass. Picture yourself walking straight through a checkpoint—with your shoes on, laptop and liquids still in your bag, and even your full water bottle in hand. That vision isn’t a fantasy. It’s the future the U.S. Travel Association is pushing toward—one where smarter infrastructure and modern technology take the stress out of travel.
Representing every corner of the travel industry—from airlines and airports to theme parks and cruise lines—U.S. Travel is advocating for big changes. The goal? To make the American travel experience smoother, more secure, and worthy of a world-class destination.
Why Now?
Travel is booming. In 2023 alone, TSA screened over three million passengers in a single day—twice. By 2028, that volume is expected to hit those numbers on 100 different days per year. That’s like 100 Thanksgivings. And let’s face it, our current system can’t keep up.
More travelers mean longer lines, more delays, and more frustration. Without bold action, the situation will only get worse.
The Blueprint for Better Travel
To tackle this head-on, U.S. Travel partnered with national leaders to design a roadmap for modernizing American travel. The federal government now has a clear path forward—one that could transform the way we move through airports, cross borders, and welcome visitors from around the world.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s possible in the next five years:
- Security lines that take less than five minutes, thanks to real-time wait time updates on your phone.
- Biometric bag drops, letting you skip the line and check in with a quick face scan.
- No need to show ID or boarding passes at TSA—your face does the talking.
- Next-gen screening tech that lets you keep your shoes, belts, electronics—and yes, even your full water bottle—right where they are.
And beyond the airport:
- Smarter customs and immigration, where biometrics and automation move travelers through efficiently.
- Trusted Travelers sail through checkpoints, only stopping if you have something to declare.
- Faster visa processing could welcome millions more visitors safely and securely.
A Win for Travelers and the Economy
These improvements aren’t just about comfort—they’re vital for the U.S. economy. Travel supports more than 15 million jobs and delivers billions in tax revenue across the country. But the U.S. has lost ground in recent years, falling behind global competitors in attracting international visitors.
Big upcoming events—like the 2026 World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary and the 2028 Olympics—could bring 40 million visitors and nearly $100 billion in spending. But we have to be ready to handle that surge with modern infrastructure that makes travel enjoyable—not frustrating.
What Can You Do?
Travelers are already asking for change: 64% say shorter airport lines are their top priority, and 78% support using biometrics at TSA checkpoints. The message is clear—we’re ready for a better experience.
Travel isn’t just leisure—it’s connection. It’s about reuniting families, exploring new cultures, closing business deals, and discovering the world. To unlock these benefits, we need a travel system that keeps up with demand and meets modern expectations.
The next decade will shape the future of American travel. With the right investments, we can lead the world in safe, efficient, and traveler-friendly experiences.
If you believe in a better journey, sign our online petition: Petition to Modernize the American Travel Experience
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