Trust in Air Travel System Falling, Gallup Poll Shows

Public trust in the the nation’s air travel system is declining, with two-thirds of those questioned saying they have less confidence in the safety and reliability of airlines than they did a few years ago, according to a Gallup poll published today.

“The decline in confidence is seen across the board--among men and women, young people and older people, and among both the college-educated and less well-educated,” said Larry Hugick, senior project director for Gallup.

He said he believes that the survey, conducted Aug. 25-27 in telephone interviews of 760 Americans age 18 and over, reflects a long-term shift in public opinion rather than a short-lived reaction to the industry’s recent difficulties.

A Gallup survey in 1983 showed that 50% of respondents said they had a “great deal” of confidence that the airlines were doing all they could to maintain safety. But only 24% believe that today, the study found.

According to the survey:

--Eighteen percent said they had a great deal of confidence in the safety efforts of ground maintenance crews, contrasted with 52% surveyed in 1983.

--Twenty-two percent expressed a great deal of confidence in air traffic controllers, contrasted with 60% in 1983.

--Fifteen percent said they have more confidence in the airlines now than they did a few years ago. That contrasts with 46% who answered the same question in 1984.

--Forty-five percent said as a result of the Aug. 16 Northwest Airlines crash in Detroit and recent near collisions, they will avoid flying when other means of transportation are practical. Nearly half said they would avoid flying on certain U.S. airlines because of their safety record.