Passenger expectations and security perceptions at Vertiports: A survey of U.S. air travelers

Purpose: This study examines passenger expectations for security measures at future vertiports supporting electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. No formal passenger-level security requirements yet exist for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) systems, making empirical understanding of passenger expectations essential for commercial deployment.Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey of 1,247 U.S. adults was conducted in 2024 using an online instrument. Analyses included nonparametric tests, Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), and hierarchical clustering to identify latent attitudinal dimensions and passenger security personas.Findings: Results indicate strong support for efficient, technology-enhanced screening, with no significant differences across gender, travel frequency, or residential location. Familiarity with UAM technology was the only factor significantly associated with higher security importance ratings (H(2) = 10.48, p = .005). PCoA identified two core dimensions: physical security concerns and privacy/surveillance concerns. Hierarchical clustering revealed five passenger personas: Traditional Security Advocates (28%), Tech-Savvy Travelers (23%), Privacy-Conscious Passengers (6%), Balanced Approach Passengers (10%), and Security Skeptics (34%).Research limitations/implications: The cross-sectional methodology captures stated preferences rather than observed behavior. The online sample may overrepresent digitally literate individuals. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and field evaluations in operational vertiports.Practical implications: Vertiport operators should implement hybrid security models accommodating diverse preferences rather than uniform approaches. Opt-in biometric pathways, transparent data-handling practices, and choice-based screening may optimize acceptance. Public education about automated screening technologies may increase comfort among skeptical passengers.Originality/value: This is the first U.S.-based empirical assessment of passenger expectations regarding vertiport security. The dual-dimensional attitudinal structure and five security personas provide evidence-based considerations for vertiport planners, operators, and regulatory agencies developing passenger screening protocols for emerging UAM systems.