Pat-down or peep show

Choose one or the other, but neither is desirable:

…The new technology allows security personnel to see underneath a passenger’s clothes to check for any weapons, explosives, drugs or other contraband.

“It’s simple,” said Robert Ball, federal security director for the TSA’s Metro Airport office. “We can now see if passengers are carrying something they shouldn’t without having to resort to a pat-down. It’s far more accurate.”

The scanners, first tested at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport late last year, produce a picture outlining the human body — yes, all of it — in hues of black, white and grey. At the McNamara Terminal, they will be used to scan randomly selected passengers connecting from international to domestic flights or those selected for additional screening beyond the normal pass through a metal detector.

Call your congressman

A call to your congressman supporting H.R. 6355 might be a good idea. Unless you like being imprisoned in sweltering, stinking, delayed airplanes.

“A new, separate Bill providing significant relief for air passengers from extended on-board delays was welcomed today by Kate Hanni, founder-president of the Coalition for Airline Passengers’ Rights, Health and Safety, formerly Coalition for an Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights (CAPBOR). The new Bill, H.R. 6355, was introduced in Congress on June 24 by Congressman James Oberstar, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Congressman Jerry Costello, chairman of the Aviation subcommittee.

“Despite frustrations inevitably encountered in the process, we are delighted that passengers’ rights are clearly now on the agenda of the House’s appropriate leadership,” Ms. Hanni said. “This Bill is intended to move passengers’ rights legislation along on its own merit, since similar passenger legislation was already passed by the House in the FAA Reauthorization Act, which has become stalled in the Senate,” she added.

H.R. 6355, the “Air Service Improvement Act of 2008,” requires air carriers and large and medium hub airports to file emergency contingency plans with the Secretary of Transportation for her review and approval. The Secretary may establish minimum standards for plans and require airlines to modify the plans they submit. These plans must detail how the air carrier will provide food, water, restroom facilities, ventilation, and necessary medical treatment for passengers on board an aircraft that is on the ground for an extended time period without terminal access. The Coalition had fought hard for plans that required Transportation Department approval, as opposed to the voluntary plans the DOT, favored.

Airlines that do not comply are subject to a $25,000 per day penalty. The Bill will also establish an Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection.”  - eTurboNews

Hands off the laptop, big bro

The LA Times reports that federal agents are randomly seizing laptops at customs:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents said he had been chosen for “random inspection of electronic media,” and kept his computer for about two weeks, recalled Hogan, 55, a freelance journalist from Falls Church, Va.

Fortunately, it was a spare computer that had little important information. But Hogan felt violated.

“It’s not an inspection. It’s a seizure,” he said. “What do they do with it? I assume they just copy everything.”

Nice. Maybe the feds just wanted to see if he was current with his Windows updates. Maybe they did a complimentary upgrade to Firefox 3.

Luggage police

MSNBC on Life after the $15 baggage fee:

Passengers will need to beware American’s newest employees: The Luggage Police. Anticipating resistance to the surcharge, American has wisely laid on extra bodies. These employees are, essentially, enforcers.

Their task will be to monitor strategic locations (security lines, for instance) to see that passengers aren’t toting more than their share of Louis Vuitton. Customers with too many items or bags too large to bring on board “will be assisted in checking their luggage,” the airline said.

This idea raises questions. For instance, how will American’s baggage employees “assist” passengers, exactly? (We can see it now: “Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to come with me …”)

The story goes on to reveal that those forced to gate check will get to pay the fee by swiping a credit card! I wondered how they were going to get the money at the last minute. Surely this won’t cause any delays. We’ve heard of air rage. Get ready for gate rage.

Read more about this issue at airfarewatchdog.com’s blog. An excerpt:

American spokesman Tim Smith is confident that that those required to pay the fee won’t have a prayer of getting around it.

     Unless, of course, you manage to sneak your contraband roller board past “curbside check-in, ticket counter check-in, self-serve kiosk check-in, our people stationed before security, the TSA checkpoint itself….without anyone noticing,” he says.

Free and easy no more

Another opinion piece if favor of fees for carry-on luggage:

It might make sense to limit the size of the checked bags or to charge for additional checked baggage — or even charge people for carry-on luggage. Checked baggage is considered pretty safe, whereas carry-on luggage has to go through extra screenings. It makes more sense to charge for carry-on bags than checked baggage. - EnidNews.com

Pocket scale saves $$

This cool digital pocket scale from Magellan’s could pay for itself if it keeps you from going overweight on one flight! It’s way cooler and more portable than my old analog model. Be careful though, everyone in line may want to use it!

Update on June 19, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

And they have a second version as well.

 

More on the squeeze

American and United airlines “will station airline employees or hired contract workers at entrances to security screening lanes to intercept customers exceeding the carry-on limit of one bag small enough to fit in an overhead bin and one “personal item” like a purse or briefcase. That could slow passengers trying to get through security, and collecting the fee at ticket counters and airport curbs could make lines longer. Boarding airplanes could be slower, too, with heightened stress as customers maximize carry-ons to avoid fees and then push to board early enough to find space in overhead cabin bins.

American plans to more aggressively pull customers aside at boarding gates if the airline thinks they have too much carry-on baggage, as well as step up announcements about size limits in gate areas and on airplanes. United says it is still formulating its plans, but may try to gate-check bags for customers in later boarding groups before boarding begins for fully booked flights.

All three airlines say it’s possible that metal templates - which prevent larger bags from making it through X-ray machines - will be reintroduced. That’s a tactic that angered many customers in the past and was eliminated when the Transportation Security Administration took control of screening after the 2001 terrorist attacks.”It’s something we’ve looked at in the past and may look at again,” says Mark Dupont, American’s senior vice president of airport services planning.’ - eTurboNews (underlinging my own - Brad)

And now for something completely different

A different take on the luggage squeeze:

Instead of charging for checked bags, airlines could probably raise more revenue and improve the quality of the flight experience by doing just the opposite: charging for carry-on luggage.

Under this arrangement, flyers determined to keep their bags within arm’s reach can pay a premium to do so. And those who want to save money can do so by checking bags free of charge.

Such price incentives would shorten security lines, bring order to boarding, and help bring out the humanity in all of us at airports. Imagine: Even late boarders (who are willing to pay) could find space in an overhead compartment – perhaps even the one above their own seat. -  opinion piece in the Christian Science Monitor

Update on June 19, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

Another voice calling for carryon charges - not checked charges.

2008: Year of the great baggage squeeze

It’s going to get worse. As baggage fees drive amateurs to carryon-only, get ready for the squeeze as the bins bulge. And watch the size of your bag - templates may be coming back:

All three airlines say it’s possible that metal templates — which prevent larger bags from making it through X-ray machines — will be reintroduced. That’s a tactic that angered many customers in the past and was eliminated when the Transportation Security Administration took control of screening after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

“It’s something we’ve looked at in the past and may look at again,” says Mark Dupont, American’s senior vice president of airport services planning.

United is in favor of bringing back templates, says Senior Vice President Scott Dolan, and US Airways Group Inc. President Scott Kirby says a return of baggage templates is “likely” at some airports. While security checkpoints are controlled by the TSA, airlines can pressure the federal agency to allow templates if a checkpoint serves a single airline, or several airlines with the same policy on templates. - WSJ/The Middle Seat

Can we expect a new crop of undersized carryons like the Tom Bihn Western Flyer?

EU carryons not shrinking

The European Union has backed off a plan to tighten the size limits on carry-on luggage.

“We must seek to balance security with passenger convenience,” said EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot. “In this case it is clear that the inconvenience of additional limits would outweigh the advance in security.

In the wake of an alleged August 2006 plot against civil airplanes in Britain, security experts recommended that the European Commission limit the maximum size of carry-on bags to 56 by 45 by 25 centimeters.

The measure was originally supposed to take effect in May 2007, but the European Union’s executive arm put it off a year while it conducted studies to see if it was really worthwhile, which it was not deemed to be.

The studies found that baggage size had little impact on the performance of airport security staff.” -AFP

 Wow, studying proposed security measures to see if they really work/help - a novel idea indeed!

More liquids in the air

TSA Approves Use of Tamper-Evident Bags for Duty Free Liquids for Flights Leaving the U.S.

Press Release

May 1, 2008

TSA Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today its approval of security tamper-evident bags for the transportation of duty-free liquids, purchased post-TSA security, on flights departing the United States for international destinations. Tamper-evident bags must meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.

“The use of tamper-evident bags is another step in harmonizing security measures with our international partners,” said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley.

Tamper-evident bags are for passengers departing the United States who have purchased duty-free liquids in the secure area of U.S. airports. Tamper-evident bags will not be accepted in the United States at security checkpoints. International travelers arriving in the United States are reunited with their checked bags and have the opportunity to store liquid duty-free items before their next flight. Travelers exiting the United States, arriving at a non-U.S. international airport, and continuing on to a final international destination may not be provided this same opportunity as their bags go directly to their final destination.

The use of tamper-evident bags on U.S.-departing flights is an additional security measure that will align with European Union security protocols and will reduce the number of passengers who surrender duty-free liquids when transferring to European or other international airports. This is part of ongoing TSA efforts to harmonize security measures with transportation security partners around the world.

Vendors of duty free liquids will voluntarily begin using these bags during the coming days and weeks.

Update on May 3, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

The TSA’s Evolution of Securty blog entry actually does a much better job of explaining this than does the above press release.

Getting off the watch list

The TSA claims to be improving the “good guy on the watchlist problem”…

 

.

Phone booth strip tease

The Millimeter Wave is about to hit both coasts:

TSA Announces Bi-coastal Launch of Millimeter Wave Imaging Technology

LAX and JFK start passenger imaging on April 17
Press Release

TSA Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today pilots of millimeter wave technology to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Millimeter wave is currently in use at Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport. Millimeter wave detects weapons, explosives and other threat items concealed under layers of clothing without any physical contact. It is a promising alternative to the physical pat-down.

“The use of whole body imaging is a significant step forward in checkpoint technology,” said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. “By expanding the use of millimeter wave, we are providing our officers with another tool to enhance security and protect the public from evolving threats.”

At LAX, millimeter wave will be used in a random continuous protocol. Alternative screening measures will be offered to individuals who decline to go through millimeter wave when asked to do so. The LAX pilot enables TSA to examine millimeter wave’s operational capability, throughput, training, ease of use and privacy perceptions by the traveling public. The metal detector will remain in place at the checkpoint. The passenger will pass through it after going through the millimeter wave machine.

Millimeter wave at JFK will be piloted as a secondary screening device similar to its use in Phoenix. The technology is a voluntary alternative to a pat-down during secondary screening. During the Phoenix pilot, 90 percent of passengers have chosen the technology over the traditional pat-down.

In both locations, a transportation security officer will guide passengers through the process, which involves stepping into the machine and remaining still for a matter of seconds while the technology creates a three-dimensional image of the passenger from two antennas that simultaneously rotate around the body. Once complete, the passenger will step through the opposite side of the millimeter wave portal.

To ensure privacy, security officers view images from a remote location. From this location, the security officer cannot ascertain the identity of the passenger, either visually or otherwise, but can communicate with a fellow officer at the checkpoint if an alarm is presented. A security algorithm will be applied to the image to blur the face of each passenger, further protecting privacy.

Millimeter wave uses electromagnetic waves to generate an image based on the energy reflected from the body. Active millimeter wave technology passes harmless electromagnetic waves over the human body to create a robotic image. It is safe and the energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 10,000 times less than a cell phone. TSA recently announced it will purchase and deploy 30 more of the machines this year.

——

 

“To ensure privacy, security officers view images from a remote location. From this location, the security officer cannot ascertain the identity of the passenger, either visually or otherwise, but can communicate with a fellow officer at the checkpoint if an alarm is presented.”   Obviously those who consider this a virtual strip search aren’t exaggerating. - Brad

 

Our earlier post on the Wave:

 

“… are you ready for MILLIMETER WAVE Whole Body Imaging - a new technology on trial in Phoenix? It’s billed as an alternative to the all-too-friendly pat-down for secondary security  screening. It looks like a phone booth, but it can see right through you…”

Update on April 19, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

TSA blog defends the Wave:

As a married father of five small children, I wouldn’t think twice about sending my wife, my four boys or little girl into this machine. I’ve seen the image it produces and I am not only confident as a TSA employee - but as a citizen - that TSA has done everything possible to address passengers’ privacy concerns regarding whole body imaging.

For those of you who remain skeptical, you’ll be happy to know that, as we expand the use of whole body imaging to JFK and LAX, it remains an optional screening method for passengers. It’s voluntary so if you’re selected for additional screening and you prefer the physical pat-down, just let our officers know. - read the whole post here and don’t miss the comments!

Checkpoint evolution?

The TSA’s slick new web presence touts passenger feedback as a determining factor in the development of these checkpoint innovations: the the Prep Stop and Re-composure Bench!

What we leaned and incorporated is: People want someplace to get ready for screening, people want to move at their own pace and people want somewhere to sit down and put themselves back together after screening.

That’s why we have introduced the prep stop and re-composure benches to the Checkpoint Evolution.

The prep stop allows passengers that need to prepare for screening an unhurried, plastic-bag, trash can and recycle bin-filled environment in which they can make those last minute preparations. This part of the Checkpoint Evolution also helps these travelers better prepare for screening without the cold shoulder from the pinstripe-suited business traveler tapping his wing-tips on the tile floor. - from the TSA blog, complete with videos.

What next? Maybe a timeout chair for passengers who don’t follow the carry-on liquid rules…or for unreasonable, hard-ass TSA screeners?

Oh, and you have to see the Playmobil security checkpoint - courtesy of Cranky Flier. 

TSA gets hip, interactive

The Transportation Safety Administration’s new interactive web presence promises great things. Can it deliver?

“In TSA’s checkpoint of the future, passengers will approach the security kiosk, carry-on in hand, and put a biometric on the scanner. While the scanning system clears you after it confirms your identity and flight information, the technology in the kiosk will verify that there are no truly dangerous items on you or in your bag. Total elapsed time: about 1.75 seconds. Version Two will add a Teleporter so that you will not need to get on an airplane.

Your grandchildren will love it.”

 Somewhere, over the rainbow. Closer to reaity:

“We have some significant changes in store for the checkpoint starting this spring. I would like your thoughts and I hope TSA will earn your support in our common mission. Please take a look at our Checkpoint Evolution micro-site.

TSA has taken a fresh look at our checkpoint operations to see if we can improve security and the passenger experience with what we have today. We took what we know from the intelligence and security communities, we listened to our employees, we learned from passengers (including on this blog), we evaluated readily deployable technology, and have come up with changes that we have begun piloting.”

The TSA blog does look impressive and they claim it has already helped shape their procedures. The new “mcro site” - Checkpoint Evolution - is worth checking out, but a grain of salt might be helpful. The TSA’s use of the term “evolution” seems to assume that they are in the process of adapting and improving. Let’s hope so.

Update on March 31, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

The new TSA vibe: CALM.  Are you ready for the calming checkpoint?

The checkpoint to be tested in May at one terminal in Baltimore is based on a simple premise: serenity adds security. Mauve lights glow softly, soothing music hums, and smiling employees offer quiet greetings and assistance.

“A chaotic, noisy, congested checkpoint is a security nightmare. Chaos gives camouflage,” (TSA administrator Kip) Hawley said. “A chaotic environment puts subtle pressure on (screeners) to rush the job.”

Hawley has sought to “calm the passenger” as he has focused the TSA on intercepting terrorists before they get to checkpoints, where they could slip plastic explosives past X-ray machines. About 1,200 screeners at 70 large airports specialize in passenger observation and pick out people who appear suspicious for closer questioning or pat-downs. - USA TODAY

Shoeless, beltless shuffle

Peter Hitchens is my favorite reactionary. And he travels in the good old USA now and again - and reacts:

“One of these days I will turn up for a flight clad only in my swimming trunks, having sent all my possessions on ahead.

I can think of no other way of speeding up the ridiculous, humiliating procedure we endure at airports. But would I be arrested for making fun of the War on Terror?

Every time I fly, I am compelled to take more and more of my clothes off – first the jacket, then the belt, then the shoes, next, no doubt, the shirt, before long, I expect, the trousers.

Why not the lot? I believe they have a machine at Heathrow that allows “security” staff to see through your clothes.

You cannot even complain. At the humorously named George Bush Airport in Houston, Texas, last week, I was hectored – as I shuffled, shoeless and beltless, towards a metal detector – by loudspeaker announcements warning me that I could be arrested for making jokes about security.” - The Daily Mail

TSA: Calling all bag designers

TSA approved, no-open laptop bag? From the TSA website:

Air travelers who fly with their laptops in tow are hoping TSA’s latest appeal to private sector innovators will mean one less thing they have to remember to do at airport security checkpoints. TSA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to bag designers and manufacturers to develop a unique laptop carrying case that will allow travelers to keep their PCs in their bags during screening.

TSA provided vendors with some design requirements, noting the materials that make up the bag cannot degrade the quality of the X-ray image of the laptop and interested companies have until mid-April to submit their best concepts. Those companies selected by TSA will have until the end of May to submit prototype laptop cases that TSA can run through the screening process to see if the images meet security requirements.

The goal of this “TSA recognized” laptop bag would be to enhance the security process by eliminating one screening requirement at the checkpoint, thereby lowering travelers’ stress levels and reducing the number of claims for lost or damaged laptops. TSA administrator Kip Hawley commented, “This is yet another example of TSA partnering with the private sector to find innovative ways to simplify things for air travelers. It also speaks to Secretary Chertoff’s desire to evaluate the screening system and make some changes that will decrease some of the burden without compromising security.”

We’ll keep our eyes on this one. More to come… 

ALSO on the TSA/laptop front - a post on the TSA blog about traveling with the new MacBook Air. 

Maybe they should photograph your luggage too

Heathrow’s mew Terminal 5 brings with it an onerous new security regimen:

“For the first time at any airport, the biometric checks will apply to all domestic passengers leaving the terminal, which will handle all British Airways flights to and from Heathrow. 

The controversial security measure is also set to be introduced at Gatwick, Manchester and Heathrow’s Terminal 1, and many airline industry insiders believe fingerprinting could become universal at all UK airports within a few years.

All four million domestic passengers who will pass through Terminal 5 annually after it opens on March 27 will have four fingerprints taken, as well as being photographed, when they check in.

To ensure the passenger boarding the aircraft is the same person, the fingerprinting process will be repeated just before they board the aircraft and the photograph will be compared with their face.”

— from the Telegraph of London

Maybe they should photograph your checked luggage as well, since - with British Airways (the exclusive user of Terminal 5) - you’ll often never see it again. Their unoffical slogan is “Fly the Flag, lose the bag!“ 

Blogging with the TSA

Ever wanted to ask the TSA why they do what they do? Now you have your chance: the TSA has its own blog for interacting with travelers - “Evolution of Security”. They say “This blog is sponsored by the Transportation Security Administration to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on innovations in security, technology and the checkpoint screening process.” I’m not optimistic but it bears watching.

 

This just in - the TSA says comments on the blog have already affected their operations:

 

Posters on this blog have had their first official impact on our operations. That’s right, less than one week since we began the blog and already you’re affecting security in a very positive way.

On Monday afternoon we began receiving questions about airports that were requiring ALL electronics to be removed from carry-on bags (everything, including blackberrys, iPods and even cords). This practice was also mentioned on several other blogs and left us scratching our heads.

So…we checked with our security operations team to figure out what was going on. After some calls to our airports, we learned that this exercise was set up by local TSA offices and was not part of any grand plan across the country. These practices were stopped on Monday afternoon and blackberrys, cords and iPods began to flow through checkpoints like the booze was flowing on Bourbon Street Tuesday night. (Fat Tuesday of course).

Getting personal in the UK: one bag, two bag?

As you’ve heard, some UK airports now allow a personal item in addition to one carryon, the determining factor being the availability of the new 3-D luggage scanners. I flew out of Heathrow on January 8 - day two of the relaxed rule - with no hassle at all. The screeners seemed quite relaxed; in fact they didn’t seem to be giving the bags a great deal of attention. My wife’s bulging 3-1-1 baggy, however, did attract the screeners’ attention. She was pulled aside for about five minutes while all of liquids were litmus-tested. I can’t say if this was because she had lots of liquids (though all under three ounces)  or if it was because most of here containers were unmarked; it may have been random. At any rate, it was painless and pretty quick. One difference between US and UK procedures has to do with shoes. In most US airports your shoes go through the main scanner in a bin. At Heathrow we cleared the carryon scan only to shuffle through another line for  a separate shoe scan. All in all, Heathrow was less hellacious than usual. The staff was pretty helpful; we witnessed very little drama.  That’s a good thing since the Heathrow can often feel like a second-rate disaster movie.

NOTE: If traveling to the UK, check with BAA for the latest implementations of the personal item allowance. At the moment it’s apparently inforce only at LHR, Manchester, and Glasgow.