IAPA supports added security measures, including full-body scanners, but stresses need for respecting traveler privacy

Issue
In the wake of the Christmas Day bombing attempt on a Delta Air Lines flight (operated by Northwest Airlines) from Amsterdam to Detroit, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has imposed new security screening measures, primarily focused on flights coming into the United States. The enhanced security procedures have widespread repercussions and range from additional physical screenings and searches to the installation of full-body scanners at an increasing number of airports.

Background
On 25 December, 2009, a passenger attempted to ignite explosives aboard Northwest Airlines flight 253 when the aircraft was just outside of its destination of DTW (Detroit Wayne County Airport). The explosive material was hidden in the suspect's underwear which allowed the explosives to go undetected through several security screenings by the time he boarded NW 253 in Amsterdam. The incident has prompted the tightening of security measures focused on flights going to the United States. In addition, the U.S. government is looking into the efficiency of its "watch" and "no-fly" lists and is adding other enhanced security measures for passengers coming from certain countries deemed "state sponsors of terrorism" or "countries of interest," according to the TSA.

The importance to our members
IAPA is a global membership organization and travel to and from the United States affects a great percentage of our members. The added security measures will cause further delays at airports and require travelers to allow even more time than before to clear security checkpoints. For our members, the results can range from an added annoyance to an outright avoidance of non-essential airline travel. For members flying to the United States on any airline, this will require better preparation and time management and more efficient packing habits.

IAPA's position
IAPA looks after the aviation safety and security of its members by providing timely information, conducting surveys to gauge the level of concern over security issues, and through its advocacy interactions with aviation and government bodies. Security is of utmost importance to the flyer and is the first critical component of public confidence in commercial aviation that can be compromised.

IAPA expects that security and government agencies, aviation bodies and airlines continue to work in tandem to establish thorough and effective security standards that fortify those in existence today. IAPA does not support profiling solely based on physical, religious and ethnic attributes, as this can easily be circumvented by savvy would-be terrorists. However, IAPA does see such traits as one of several components that should be considered when screening passengers. These include country of origin of travel, method of payment (cash or charge), type of journey (one way vs. round trip), visa and other documentation anomalies, and passenger behavior.

IAPA also believes there should be thorough information sharing between nations and agencies when dealing with passengers who raise concerns due to these and other factors. IAPA also endorses the full implementation of advanced technology to detect traces of explosive material in baggage, carry-on items and a passenger's body. With respect to the latter, IAPA supports the use of full-body scanners but expects that the application of such technology to be consistent wherever it is installed, and that an equally effective alternative screening process be put in place where it is not implemented.

IAPA believes that such scanners must prove to be a reliable and effective deterrent to would-be terrorists given the fact that no technology is 100% fail proof. In addition IAPA urges that such technology be implemented and used with the utmost respect for the individual traveler. This should include having policies and procedures in place to guarantee anonymity and to provide effective alternatives for those objecting to such scans.

Status
Airports around the world are accelerating the implementation of full-body scanners -- most notably and as of this posting, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France and the Netherlands. The EU is in discussions over the implementation of full-body scanners throughout Europe and is considering the inherent privacy concerns raised. The EU may also contemplate the creation of a Europe-wide PNR (passenger record) sharing data system.

Updated: 08 January 2010