The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a set of rules and regulations for screening and evaluating passengers. The security assessment for air travel has evolved since the agency was created after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, moving from a one-size-fits-all security inspection to a risk-based, intelligence-based strategy. This method is designed to provide an expedited screening for trusted travelers through TSA PreCheck, allowing officers to target unknown and high-risk passengers at security checkpoints.
Under the TSA program, officers can use risk-based security measures to identify, mitigate, and resolve potential threats at security checkpoints, including asking travel questions to include identity, travel itinerary, and property. . It will also use different processes, including random screening to emphasize unpredictable security measures throughout the airport, so that no individual is guaranteed an expedited screening.
TSA Safe Flight Program
Secure Flight is a risk-based passenger screening program used by the TSA to identify low-risk and high-risk travelers prior to their flight to match their names against trusted traveler lists and watch lists. It only collects the full name, date of birth and gender for an accurate match.
TSA then sends screening instructions to airlines to choose TSA PreCheck eligible passengers, those who need an enhanced screening, and those who will receive a regular screening. Secure Flight also stops travelers on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Do Not Fly List and Do Not Board List from boarding a plane.
For those who experience difficulties during the travel evaluation process, the Department of Homeland Security offers the Traveler Repair Investigation Program (TRAVEL DHS) for those who have questions or need resolution when traveling. After review by a DHS officer, travelers are assigned a Repair Control Number that should be used to look up complaint status online and to book airline tickets after a complaint is resolved.
The Secure Flight program:
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- Identify known and suspected terrorists.
- Prevent No-Fly List passengers from boarding a plane
- Ensures that passengers on the Select List are subjected to additional screening to determine if they should be allowed to fly
Screening technology
Passengers at the airport are screened using advanced millimeter wave imaging technology and metal detectors. Millimeter wave technology can detect travelers without physical contact to detect metallic and non-metallic threats. Travelers can decline the use of such technology and request a physical exam. But some will still have to go through the traditional screening if their boarding pass indicates that they have been selected for enhanced screening.
Screening examination
Travelers who refuse to be screened by advanced imaging technology or a test metal detector will be screened by a TSA officer of the same gender. They can also receive a review by an officer if they set off the checkpoint alarm or are chosen at random. You can request a review in private and be accompanied by a colleague of your choice. You can take your carry-on luggage to the private inspection area and request a chair to sit on if required. A second TSA officer will always be present during a private screening exam.
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