An analysis of the relationship between travel preferences and intentions to use registered traveler biometric systems in air travel

Purpose – Today's increasingly interconnected world presents substantial challenges for the security of air travel, which can be attenuated by using registered traveler biometric systems (RTBS). While several systems have been deployed (i.e. Global Entry), it is not clear how a mass adoption of registered traveler biometric systems can be predicted. Using data from air travelers, the aim of this study is to examine the link between air travelers' perceptions of several air travel attributes and their intentions to use RTBS. Design/methodology/approach – This study used an exploratory factor analysis to reduce the dimensionality of 17 perceptions of air travel experience attributes. Further, a discriminant function analysis was used to determine if any of the air travel attribute groups are useful in distinguishing between travelers favorable v. unfavorable toward RTBS. Findings – This study found that travelers' perceptions of several air travel attributes are linked to their intentions to use RTBS. Specifically, the in‐flight service experience, the efficiency of the pre‐flight processing, and the emphasis on customers' time are useful in discriminating between travelers who are favorable v. unfavorable toward registered traveler biometric systems. Research limitations/implications – This study shows how certain groups of air travel attributes, which are “visible”, can discriminate between air travelers willing and unwilling to use RTBS. Also, by focusing on general air travel attributes, this study provides a broader understanding of how travelers form criteria to evaluate air travel service performance. Finally, this study offers distinctive insight into the voluntary use of biometric technology in airports. Social implications – This study has important implications for improving the security of air travel and understanding better a technology that is associated with strong consumer sentiments. Originality/value – Being among the first studies to examine air travel attribute perceptions and travelers' intentions to approach or reject RTBS, this study makes an important step in the general understanding of biometric system adoption in air travel. By finding the links between air travel attributes and intentions to use RTBS, this study provides a unique approach to understanding the potential use of RTBS in travel, with important implications for an improved management and marketing of RTBS. Also, the study establishes a link between air travel attributes and technologies designed to enhance the air service experience.