TSA Partners With Flight Attendants on Security

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Flight Attendants – CWA (AFA-CWA) today met with John Pistole, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to discuss concerns about the enhanced screening processes and to consider establishing alternative screening systems for flight deck and cabin crew,  including implementation of systems like CrewPASS at screening checkpoints.

At today's meeting members of AFA-CWA secured a commitment from TSA Administrator John Pistole that the agency would partner with AFA-CWA on aviation security. Administrator Pistole pledged, during a November 17, 2010 Senate testimony, that one of his three primary goals for the agency is to strengthen TSA's relationships with stakeholders and the traveling public.

"As first responders, the nation's flight attendants hold a primary stake in aviation security and are the last line of defense," said Veda Shook, incoming president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

Alternative screenings, such as Crew Pass identify authorized and trusted crew members at security screening checkpoints.

The Crew Pass process utilizes established security clearances that each aviation employee clears as a condition of employment.

Congress has directed that alternate screening methods include all crew members, including both flight attendants and pilots.

"Alaska Airlines is in the process of working towards implementing an alternative system of security screening for flight attendants and pilots," Shook explained. "The program highlights the importance of all crew members working as a security team for the safety of the crew and traveling public. Alaska Airlines program can serve as a model for the rest of the aviation industry."

For over 60 years, the Association of Flight Attendants has been serving as the voice for flight attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill. More than 42,000 flight attendants at 21 airlines come together to form AFA-CWA, the world's largest flight attendant union. AFA is part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWAx), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afanet.org.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED