Airlines for America (A4A) Lauds Passage of No-Hassle Flying Act

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Dec 12, 2012, 03:17 ET

Common-Sense Bill to Streamline Baggage Security Now Heads to White House for Signature

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today commended the House of Representatives for passing S. 3542, the "No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012", which streamlines baggage security measures for international flights arriving from select airports in Canada, the Caribbean and Ireland that have U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facilities. The bill now heads to the White House where it awaits the President's signature.

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The bill, sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), gives the Transportation Security Administration discretion to determine whether additional screening of bags already screened at CBP preclearance airports is necessary. Currently, all baggage entering the United States must be re-screened regardless of where it originated, which creates additional work and hassle for customers, without providing meaningful additional security.

"This is a smart, efficient way to streamline travel, boost tourism and lower costs while maintaining the highest security standards," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "Safe and reliable baggage screening is a key component in ensuring aviation safety around the world, and our members fully support efforts to implement robust, reliable and intelligent screening systems that enhance security and make travel more convenient for customers at the same time. We appreciate the leadership that Congress has shown in promoting this common-sense, risk-based screening approach."

ABOUT A4A

Annually, commercial aviation helps drive more than $1 trillion in U.S. economic activity and nearly 10 million U.S. jobs. A4A airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For more information about the airline industry, visit www.airlines.org and follow us on Twitter @airlinesdotorg.

SOURCE Airlines for America