(Lebanon, NH – December 31, 2025) – Travelers around the world are divided on whether they’d embrace the next generation of supersonic passenger flights, but they overwhelmingly agree on one thing: when it comes to exploring the world, authenticity and history matter most.

According to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, US travelers are more eager to board a new, low-noise supersonic jet from New York to London than their international counterparts. Nearly one in three Americans (31%) said they would book a $3,500 round-trip ticket on a 3.5-hour flight, compared to just 26% of non-US respondents. Women were more cautious than men, with only 27% saying they’d book the flight versus 30% of men and a larger share of women (39%) saying “maybe” compared to 34% of men.

“The data show a clear curiosity about the return of supersonic travel after a two decade absence, but travelers remain practical and cautious,” 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, speed is appealing, but not necessarily worth the cost or the unknowns of a brand-new travel capability.”

When it comes to airport convenience, however, US travelers are far ahead in adopting programs designed to save time and reduce stress. More than 64% of American respondents said they’re already members of a trusted traveler program such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, compared to just 20% of non-US travelers. Meanwhile, another 22% of non-US respondents said they plan to join soon, more than triple the share of Americans (6%) who said the same.

Women are also slightly ahead of men in trusted traveler program participation, with 57% saying they’re already members compared to 52% of men. But while men tend to prioritize speed — 47% cited saving time as their top reason for joining — women leaned toward peace of mind, with 38% emphasizing convenience and less stress.

For those not enrolled, practical concerns remain. Cost and the time involved in the application process were the top reasons cited by both men and women, but women were notably more likely to express privacy concerns (11%) than men (6%).

Despite differences in speed preferences and travel logistics, both genders — and travelers across regions — share an appetite for discovery rooted in meaning rather than mass tourism. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of all respondents said they prefer hidden gems over iconic attractions. Women (69%) and non-US travelers (68%) were slightly more likely than men (64%) and Americans (64%) to seek out lesser-known treasures over tourist landmarks.

When asked whether they choose destinations for historic significance or modern appeal, the vast majority (75%) selected history. Women again led the way (77%), slightly outpacing men (75%). US travelers (78%) were more historically minded than their non-US counterparts (70%), suggesting that while Americans may embrace faster flights, they prefer destinations where the past runs deep.

“Today’s travelers are increasingly intentional,” Richards said. “They want experiences that feel authentic, immersive and personally meaningful — whether that means avoiding crowds, skipping the obvious stops or connecting more deeply with a destination’s history and culture.”

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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. The company has supported 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.