The preference for extended stays is dominant among travelers worldwide. Seven in ten respondents (70%) say they prefer fewer, longer trips rather than frequent, shorter ones. Women are leading this trend, with 75% choosing extended stays compared to 68% of men. US travelers also lean slightly more toward longer trips (71%) than their non-US counterparts (68%), reflecting a growing desire to slow down and spend more time in one destination.

That slower approach aligns with travelers’ shifting attitudes toward FOMO — the “fear of missing out” — and JOMO, the “joy of missing out.” More than a third of respondents (35%) identify with JOMO, emphasizing deeper, more intentional experiences over seeing as many sights as possible. Nearly half (48%) say they strike a balance between the two. Women are more likely than men to favor that balance, with 53% reporting a mix of JOMO and FOMO compared to 47% of men. Non-US travelers lean slightly more JOMO (36%) than US travelers (35%), while men are more likely than women to say neither term fits their style (12% vs. 5%).

Crowd avoidance is also shaping travel decisions for the year ahead. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (73%) say they plan to intentionally avoid crowded or tourist-heavy destinations. Non-US travelers are the most cautious, with 78% reporting plans to steer clear of heavily visited places compared to 72% of US respondents. Men are slightly more likely than women to avoid crowds (75% vs. 68%), while women are more likely to say their decisions depend on specific destinations or timing.

Together, the findings reveal a post-pandemic travel mindset that values time, space and depth. “Longer trips, slower pacing and selective destination choices are replacing the old drive to see it all,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “For travelers and travel providers alike, the new priority is not about checking off lists — it’s about creating meaningful connections and avoiding the crowds along the way.”

For more information, contact: Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,500 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. The organization provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

The survey revealed a growing trust by travelers in trained staff to manage consumption on a case-by-case basis. The survey found that 61% of travelers believe alcohol consumption should be left to the discretion of bartenders, flight attendants or the individual traveler—up from 53% in December 2024. While support for stricter enforcement has risen, support for strict drink limits has softened. In December 2024, nearly a fifth (19%) said alcohol service should be capped at no more than one drink every 30 minutes, and 17% favored a one-drink-per-hour limit. By 2025, fewer respondents advocate for fixed drink limits.

The vast majority of travelers (84%) agreed that flight attendants and bartenders should have firm authority to refuse service when necessary, underscoring broad trust in frontline personnel to balance hospitality with safety. Travel industry leaders and frontline crews continue to call for practical safeguards, including proposals to restrict alcohol availability both in airports and in-flight.

Currently, no major US airline enforces a set numerical limit on in-flight alcohol consumption. Federal regulations require that all alcohol be served by the airline—passengers may not drink their own—and authorize crew members to deny service to anyone who appears intoxicated.

Policies vary by carrier and class of service, and flight attendants are empowered to halt service at their discretion. Airlines including American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska all prohibit self-provided alcohol but do not publish drink limits. Some stricter proposals have emerged, with flight attendant unions and advocacy groups calling for a two-drink limit in economy cabins due to rising incidents of unruly behavior linked to excessive drinking.

“Travelers clearly want airlines to take a stronger hand in managing alcohol service,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “Giving crews the discretion and support to make responsible decisions benefits everyone onboard—passengers and staff alike.”

Media Contact: Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,500 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

“Each entry told a story — not just of a place, but of perspective,” said Michael Holmes, Global Rescue’s head of marketing. “The photos and videos submitted this year reveal how travelers are embracing the world with open eyes and open hearts, finding beauty in movement, connection and adventure.”

Nearly $10,000 in prizes were awarded across four categories — In The Wild, Accidentally Perfect (Family/Friends), Between Here and There, and Life In Motion (Video). The contest was judged by a distinguished panel of globally recognized travel journalists, photographers and creative professionals including: Ben Horton, Jen Murphy, Arnie Weissmann, Berne Broudy, Geoffrey Morrison, Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren and Allie Savage.

In The Wild

Winner: Crossing on the Algae River by Muhammad Amdad-Hossain

“The colors in the shot are beautiful. I love the composition and how the photo captures the movement of the water and seaweed — the aerial angle gives a fresh dimension,” said Jen Murphy, who writes for The New York Times, Outside and Conde Nast Traveler.

“I love the unique angle that this is taken from, and the various patterns,” added Ben Horton, a National Geographic photographer and director.

Runner-Up: Antarctica by Bryce Hill

“Stark, moody, beautifully composed and incredible light,” said Berne Broudy, whose work appears in Outside and National Geographic Adventure.

“An incredible sense of scale. Wonderful desolation,” said Geoffrey Morrison, travel writer and photographer for CNET and The New York Times.

Accidentally Perfect (Family/Friends)

Winner: Breaking Away by Barry Crosthwaite

“With an almost deceptive simplicity, this photo is very strong. Its off-center composition is nonetheless a study in balance: the age differences of the subjects, the nun’s black and white habit versus the colorful background. The little girl’s arm forms a graceful arc to complement the arches behind her,” said Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly.

Runner-Up: Joy of Childhood by Muhammad Amdad-Hossain

“The photo is pure joy, not dampened in the least by its muted colors. Wonderful “accidental” composition,” said Arnie Weissmann.

“People soup! I like the authenticity of the ‘human-ness’ of it — a candid moment showing group fun, great colors and balance,” said Allie Savage, Global Rescue’s award-winning video editor.

Between Here and There

Winner: Let’s Move On by Cristina Corti

“I love the collection of people you see working together,” said Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren, Graphic Design Lead at Guidehouse and former Head of Design at Global Rescue.

“This photo captures the idea of ‘here and there’ beautifully. Even when faced with bus problems, the travelers and locals come together — it’s a wonderful story of community and perseverance,” said Savage.

Runner-Up: Passing Ancient Villages by Edward Dieppe

“I like the dichotomy of the rural locals and the Westerner on the bike and how the locals aren’t even glancing his way. That mix of cultures tells a larger story of travel,” said Murphy.

Life In Motion (Video)

Winner: Peru Mountaineering by Usman Raj

“It’s a really cool perspective in a really cool place,” said Horton.

“Great use of a variety of cameras to show a varied and gorgeous landscape,” added Morrison.

Runner-Up: Uyuni, Bolivia by Timothy Parrant

“Stunning footage,” said Broudy.

“This video opens in a gorgeous otherworldly setting, then transitions to the lush Amazon — giving the viewer a more serene perspective of an extreme sport,” said Bakos-Kallgren.

“The diversity of vision among the winners shows that travel storytelling is alive and thriving,” said Murphy. “Every frame — photo or video — brought us closer to the essence of what it means to explore boldly.”

Complete contest details and all winning entries can be viewed at https://www.globalrescue.com/lp/photo-contest-2025/.

Contact: Bill McIntyre | bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text)

About Global Rescue

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. The company has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Nearly one in four non-US travelers (23%) said US international policy announcements have already changed their travel plans for the remainder of the year—more than double the rate of American respondents (10%). By contrast, most US travelers (78%) said their plans remain unchanged.

“Travelers outside the United States are clearly more reactive to US international policies than Americans themselves,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “For many international travelers, geopolitical decisions and perceived instability are meaningful factors in whether, where and how they travel.”

When asked how their plans have changed, 22% of non-US respondents said they are altering which countries or cities they visit, compared to just 12% of Americans. Women were also more likely than men to report making changes, with 16% of women considering adjustments versus 10% of men.

The perception gap extends beyond travel plans. Nearly two-thirds of women (65%) believe Americans will be viewed more negatively abroad over the next year, compared to 59% of men. A majority of both US and non-US respondents shared that sentiment, though it was strongest among US travelers themselves (61%), indicating growing concern about international perceptions.

Despite these concerns, most travelers say their overall likelihood to travel has not changed significantly—roughly 63% reported being “neither more nor less likely” to travel due to recent US policies. However, international travelers were notably more cautious, with nearly 14% saying they are “much less likely” to travel, compared to just 2% of Americans.

Civil unrest within US cities also weighs heavily on international travelers. Fewer than 30% of non-US respondents said their US travel plans remain unchanged, while nearly one in five (18%) said they have postponed or canceled trips altogether. Among Americans, by contrast, nearly 70% said protests and unrest have had no impact on their travel decisions.

“Perceptions of safety and political stability are deeply personal and can differ sharply across borders,” Richards said. “For international travelers, US domestic unrest and global policy shifts appear to have a more direct effect on confidence and behavior than they do for Americans themselves.”

For more information, contact: Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,500 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. The organization has supported Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

]]> https://www.globalrescuetravel.com/common/blog/detail/global-travelers-divided-on-us-policy-impact/feed/ 0 https://www.globalrescuetravel.com/common/blog/detail/survey-shows-faa-restrictions-ground-some-travel-plans-but-most-travelers-staying-the-course/ https://www.globalrescuetravel.com/common/blog/detail/survey-shows-faa-restrictions-ground-some-travel-plans-but-most-travelers-staying-the-course/#respond Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:02:02 +0000 https://www.globalrescue.com/?p=54167 (Lebanon, NH – November 6, 2025) — A new snap survey by Global Rescue shows that nearly half of travelers (48%) are not changing their travel plans despite the FAA’s decision to reduce air traffic in high-volume US markets by 10% amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The findings come as the holiday season — the busiest travel period of the year — approaches, when millions of travelers are expected to take to the skies to visit family and friends. “Despite the potential for flight delays and cancellations, most travelers are showing confidence and flexibility in maintaining their plans,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

While most travelers remain undeterred, others are adjusting. About one in four (24%) said they are “waiting to see how long the FAA restrictions last” before making any changes, reflecting widespread uncertainty about how long delays and cancellations may persist.

Roughly one in five respondents reported taking action already:

• 6% have rescheduled travel dates to avoid expected disruptions.
• 6% have canceled at least one trip.
• 4% have switched to another mode of transportation such as driving or taking the train.
• 4% have changed airports or routes in hopes of bypassing congested hubs.

Another 16% of respondents said the issue doesn’t apply to them because they have no upcoming travel.

“Travelers are taking a wait-and-see approach,” Richards said. “While some are adjusting their plans, nearly half — 48% — are staying the course. That patience reflects how adaptable today’s travelers have become to uncertainty, especially with the busy holiday travel season fast approaching.”

Despite the disruption, overall traveler sentiment remains steady. “We’re seeing resilience and pragmatism,” Richards added. “People may reroute or delay a trip, but they’re not giving up on travel altogether.”

For more information, contact: Bill McIntyre | bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue SNAP Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,200 current and former members on November 6, 2025. The respondents revealed whether they are changing travel plans due to the FAA reducing air traffic in high-volume markets by 10% due to the US government shutdown.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

When asked what motivates them most when choosing a destination, more than a third (35%) of respondents said natural beauty and outdoor immersion top their list, outpacing iconic attractions (27%) and cultural experiences (23%). Women were especially drawn to authentic culture and community (26%) compared to men (21%), while non-US travelers leaned slightly more toward natural environments (37%) than their US counterparts (34%).

“Travelers are looking for genuine experiences that help them feel more connected to the world and less tethered to technology,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “People aren’t just going places—they’re seeking meaning, restoration and perspective.”

Disconnecting from technology also plays a growing role in travel satisfaction. Only a third (33%) of respondents said unplugging was “not important,” while the majority rated it moderately to very important, with non-US travelers (38%) and women (35%) placing higher value on digital disconnection than men or Americans (both at 33%).

Cultural depth clearly outweighs party scenes or contemporary aesthetics. A resounding 75% of travelers said they prefer destinations for their historic significance rather than a modern vibe and nearly two-thirds (65%) said they seek hidden gems over iconic attractions. Non-US and female travelers showed a stronger inclination toward exploration off the beaten path (68% each).

Nightlife barely factors into destination decisions. Just 2% said nightlife ranks high in their travel choices, while nearly half (46%) said it doesn’t matter at all. “The data show a decisive shift toward self-enrichment and sustainability over stimulation,” Richards said. “Quiet, history-rich and culturally authentic destinations are winning over travelers who want depth, not distraction.”

Even when considering once-in-a-lifetime events, travelers remain measured. Only 4% said they plan to travel to Europe’s northern regions to view the 2026 total solar eclipse, though women (6%) and non-US respondents (6%) were more likely to consider the trip than men (4%) or US travelers (4%).

Across activities, hiking and trekking (50%) lead the list of motivations, followed by hunting and fishing (35%) and SCUBA or snorkeling (23%). Women were far more drawn to hiking (58%) and wellness-oriented pursuits, while men showed stronger interest in hunting, fishing and overlanding adventures.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,600 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Media Contact: Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195

“With hundreds of entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. Each year, I think, ‘This will be the year to remember’ — the year that creativity, innovation and inspiration in the entries of the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards has peaked. Yet this year has topped all that has come before,” said Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly.

Magellan Gold was awarded to Global Rescue in the Travel Services Education/Training category for its Automated Partner Onboarding Campaign. “Global Rescue’s automated onboarding campaign transformed how new partners are trained, supported and activated. It replaced manual processes with a scalable, data-driven system. The result: higher engagement, improved retention and an increase in new partner growth,” said Samantha Hosking, the director of partner channel marketing. “By combining automation with intentional human touchpoints, Global Rescue has delivered a scalable, high-impact training solution. This approach elevates partner performance and internal efficiency alike,” she added.

Judges selected Global Rescue for a Silver Magellan Award in the Travel Services Marketing TV Commercial category. “In a world of fragmented media consumption, reaching our audience with the right message at the right moment required bold changes,” said Wil Klass, director of paid marketing. The “Global Rescue Protects You” [VIDEO] campaign marked a strategic shift into Connected TV (CTV) advertising. “Designed to reach high-intent travelers through on-demand streaming platforms, this campaign both looked good and performed well. It proved measurable success, driving revenue growth, expanding market presence and setting a new standard for how travel protection services engage modern audiences,” he added.

“It’s an honor to have our work recognized with two 2025 Magellan Awards. These awards celebrate innovation and excellence in travel services,” said Michael Holmes, vice president at Global Rescue. “These awards reflect our commitment to helping travelers explore the world with confidence, whether for adventure, leisure or business. Our global network of well-trained partners plays a vital role in every travel experience. Together, we empower people to travel boldly and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing Global Rescue will be there whenever and wherever they need us,” he added.

About Global Rescue 

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. The company has supported its clients—including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions—during every globally significant crisis of the past two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

About the Magellan Awards

The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another; instead, they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners or may have no winners at all.

About Travel Weekly

Travel Weekly is the most influential provider of news, research, opinion and analysis to the North American travel trade marketplace. It reaches a broad industry audience in print, online and with face-to-face events throughout the year. Travel Weekly is a part of Northstar Travel Group, the leading B-to-B media company providing information and marketing solutions for the global travel industry. Northstar Travel Group is based in Rutherford, NJ and more information is available at northstartravelgroup.com

More than half of travelers (54%) said they will travel both internationally and domestically between November and February. However, non-U.S. travelers are more than three times as likely as Americans to travel internationally only (21% vs. 6%), underscoring the stronger global appetite for long-haul travel. Men are also slightly more likely than women to take both domestic and international trips (57% vs. 51%), while women were more inclined to stay home altogether (17% vs. 14%).

“The data show that enthusiasm for global travel remains strong heading into winter, with men and international travelers leading the way,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Japan Tops the Travel Wish List

When asked to name one dream destination if they could receive a trip as a gift, Japan was the clear favorite, selected by 24% of all respondents and an even higher 31% of non-U.S. travelers. Italy (14%) and New Zealand (11%) followed, rounding out the top three global wish-list destinations, ahead of France (3%) and Spain (4%). Women were somewhat more drawn to France (5%) and Portugal (9%), while men favored Japan and Italy nearly equally.

Travel Gifting Reflects Gender — and Family — Differences

When it comes to gifting travel, men and women diverge sharply. Nearly half of men (48%) said they would give an international trip to their spouse, compared to just 25% of women. Women were four times more likely than men to choose a friend or neighbor (18% vs. 6%) and more than twice as likely to select “other” recipients (20% vs. 8%), suggesting a broader or more altruistic approach to travel giving. Across all demographics, children were evenly chosen as travel gift recipients (17%), while a notable 39% said they would gift a trip to a sibling — highlighting the growing trend of family-based travel experiences.

Where They’d Send First-Time Travelers

Asked where they’d send someone who has never traveled abroad, respondents most often chose New Zealand (21%), followed by the Amalfi Coast, Italy (16%), Kyoto, Japan (9%), and London (8%). Non-U.S. travelers were significantly more likely to pick Asian or South American destinations such as Kyoto (15%) or Machu Picchu (8%), while Americans favored the Amalfi Coast (19%) and New Zealand (23%). Women showed stronger preferences for romantic or scenic European destinations, including Amalfi (20%) and Provence (12%), whereas men leaned slightly toward adventurous options such as Kyoto (11%) and Machu Picchu (5%).

For more information, contact:

Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,600 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes, and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments, and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor, and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients — including Fortune 500 companies, governments, and academic institutions — during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

The TSA recently eased its shoe-removal requirement at security checkpoints and is now considering adjustments to the liquids rule — a policy review that travelers appear eager to embrace. Support for change is strongest among US travelers (65%) and men (65%), compared to 57% of non-US respondents and 59% of women. Women and non-US travelers were also more likely to be unsure, with 27–28% saying they “don’t know,” compared to 23% of men and US respondents.

“The liquids rule has been one of the longest-standing frustrations for travelers and the data show that the majority now see it as outdated,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “Travelers are looking for a balance between convenience and safety that reflects current technology and screening capabilities.”

Among those who support revising the rule, more than half (56%) favored raising the limit to 12 ounces, enough for everyday items like sunscreen, shampoo or baby formula. Another 27% said it should be raised to 32 ounces, while 13% supported removing the limit entirely.

US travelers are especially likely to prefer moderate reform: 62% favor the 12-ounce limit, compared to 38% of non-US travelers, who are more likely to support larger or unlimited allowances (40% and 18%, respectively). Women were more likely than men to favor no limit (16% vs. 12%) but less likely to support the 32-ounce threshold.

For the minority who oppose any change, security remains the primary concern. Roughly 61% of all “no” respondents said higher limits would increase risk, while 44% of women—compared to 32% of men—worried travelers might abuse the new rule.

When asked about how a higher limit would affect the travel experience, most travelers saw both benefits and trade-offs. The top expected benefits were:

• Greater convenience (59%)
• Less plastic waste (37%)
• Improved customer satisfaction (37%)

At the same time, nearly three in ten travelers (28%) expect longer screening times and one in four anticipate more spills or messes. Women were more likely than men to highlight environmental benefits (46% vs. 34%) and to expect longer security lines (32% vs. 28%).

“Travelers want smarter security, not simply more of it,” Richards said. “Advances in scanning and detection should allow for both safety and convenience without forcing passengers to give up common travel items.”

For more information, contact:

Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,600 current and former members between October 7–13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

“The data show that Americans are significantly more alert to the potential impact of the shutdown,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “Concerns center on the possibility that prolonged closures—especially at smaller consulates and government offices—could delay essential documentation or disrupt travel planning.”

Among US respondents, nearly 40% said they were very or somewhat concerned about shutdown-related disruptions—compared to just 25% of foreign respondents. Roughly one in three Americans (32%) said they were not concerned, while nearly one-third of foreign travelers (32%) said the issue was not applicable to them, suggesting less direct exposure to the effects of a U.S. government closure.

Gender distinctions were modest but notable. Women were more than twice as likely as men to say they were very concerned about the shutdown’s travel impact (22% vs. 10%). However, when combining those who were somewhat or slightly concerned, attitudes were nearly identical—44% of women and 44% of men expressed moderate concern. Roughly a third of men (32%) and one in four women (25%) said they were not concerned.

“These findings underscore how government disruptions can shape traveler confidence,” Richards said. “Americans, more than foreign travelers, appear to be watching closely for signs that a prolonged shutdown could affect their mobility and travel security.”

For more information, contact: 

Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +1 202.560.1195 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey 

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,500 current and former members between October 7-13, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue 

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.