Talking Points: TSA Precheck and Security Body Scans (January 14, 2016)

Talking Points – TSA Precheck and Security Body Scans

Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients to discuss the use of body scan technology at airports and why we recommend TSA Precheck. (January 14, 2016)

1. The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) usage of mandatory body scans will occur in a very limited number of circumstances where enhanced screening is required.

2. We recommend that frequent travelers apply for TSA Precheck status, which enables identified low-risk travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) usage of mandatory body scans will occur in a very limited number of circumstances where enhanced screening is required.

 On December 18, 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a “Privacy Impact Assessment Update” (pdf) announcing a change in policy related to body scanners (also known as Advanced Imaging Technologies or AIT).

o The assessment says, “While passengers may generally decline AIT screening in favor of physical screening, TSA may direct mandatory AIT screening for some passengers as warranted by security considerations in order to safeguard transportation security.”

o Previously, anyone who did not wish to be analyzed by the body scanners could opt for a procedure that involved a pat-down from a TSA agent.

 The vast majority of passengers will not be affected by a mandatory body scan.

o According to USA Today, “Generally passengers undergoing screening will still have the option to decline a (full-body) screening in favor of physical screening,” said Bruce Anderson, a TSA spokesman. “However, some passengers will be required to undergo (full) body screening if warranted by security considerations in order to safeguard transportation security.”

 “This will occur in a very limited number of circumstances where enhanced screening is required,” Anderson added. “The vast majority of passengers will not be affected.”

 The scanning technology is used merely to detect threat objects carried on persons entering airport sterile areas.

o The scanners can detect non-metallic weapons hidden beneath clothing, such as plastic explosives and liquids secreted on the body, according to the TSA.

o TSA documents state it does not store any personally identifiable information from the body scanner.

 It “does not generate an individual image but rather overlays the location of objects on a generic image.”

 

 “The generated image is accurate, timely, and complete and is directly relevant to the identification of threat objects.”

o The document says, “Because the [Automatic Target Recognition or ATR)] software replaces the individual’s image with that of a generic figure, the monitor will be co-located with the individual being screened. The screening officer will view both the individual and the ATR image. If there is an alarm, the physical screening will target the location indicated by the ATR software. If there are multiple alarms, the individual may receive a full screening.”

 According to CNN: “The change comes at a time of heightened concern about aviation security and terror plots against commercial aviation.”

 The TSA was created after the September 11, 2001 attacks and “is responsible for security in all modes of transportation, and must assess threats to transportation, enforce security-related regulations and requirements, and ensure the adequacy of security measures at airports and other transportation facilities.”

2. We recommend that frequent travelers apply for TSA Precheck status, which enables identified low-risk travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience.

 We highly recommend that our clients apply for TSA Precheck status – which TSA describes as an “expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience.”

o To apply for TSA Precheck, a traveler must bring two forms of identification, such as driver’s license, passport or birth certificate. Then the traveler must provide their name, address, previous address, date of birth, Social Security number and fingerprints for the FBI to check against criminal and terrorist databases.

o TSA Precheck is available for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. In addition:

 TSA Precheck is available for passengers traveling domestically within the United States and when departing from a U.S. airport to a location outside the country. Passengers may also be eligible for TSA Precheck when connecting to a domestic flight after arrival in the United States. TSA Precheck is available full-time or during peak times at participating airports.

 Once approved, travelers will receive a “Known Traveler Number” and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Precheck lanes at select security checkpoints when flying on the 13 carriers that currently participate in TSA Precheck.

 Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, OneJet, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.urity checkpoints when flying on the 13 carriers that currently participate in TSA Precheck.

o The TSA Precheck application cost is currently $85 for five years

 The benefits of using TSA Precheck include:

o Using the expedited security lines

o You can leave on your shoes, belt and light jackets

o You will not have to remove laptops or tablets

o You are 3-1-1 compliant and will not have to remove plastic bags of small liquids

 

o Precheck lines often move faster than standard lines regardless of length

o Even if there are more people in line, Precheck is more convenient overall since you won’t have to unpack your valuables or remove clothing items

o Passengers 12 years old and younger who are accompanied by eligible travelers may also access the TSA Precheck lanes.

 We also encourage our clients who travel internationally to instead consider applying for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Global Entry program, which enables travelers to pass through U.S. Customs/Immigration much more quickly and also allows them to use TSA’s Precheck airport security lines.

o You apply online for conditional approval and then need to participate in an in-person interview.

o Global entry costs $100 for five years, and includes TSA Precheck.

 On January 13, 2016, TSA announced that the TSA Precheck application program has reached a new milestone with more than two million travelers enrolled. TSA Precheck, which opened its first application center in December 2013, now has more than 350 application centers nationwide, including locations at 38 airports. According to the TSA:

o In 2015, TSA Precheck operations began at 48 new airports. Today, TSA Precheck has more than 450 lanes at 167 U.S. airports.

o TSA Precheck, an expedited screening program that began in October 2011, enables identified low-risk travelers departing the United States to enjoy a smart and efficient air travel screening experience.

 On January 13, 2016, USA Today referred to TSA Precheck as “a contentious airport Precheck program.” It wrote:

o “Among the concerns are whether travelers surrender too much privacy to participate and whether the screening is effective.”

o “Some travelers also find checkpoint lines have grown with more participants.”

o “But the Transportation Security Administration program remains popular despite the drawbacks, doubling its membership in less than a year.”

 “The advantage is that Precheck members leave laptops and small bottles of liquids in carry-on bags, and keep on shoes and light jackets at checkpoints.”

 The TSA, which is part of DHS, requires adult passengers 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. (TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.) These forms of identification include:

o Driver’s license or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)

o U.S. passport

o U.S. passport card

o DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

o U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)

o Permanent resident card

o Border crossing card

 

o DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license

o Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)

o Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

o HSPD-12 PIV card

o Foreign government-issued passport

o Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

o Transportation worker identification credential.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

 We believe in providing the facts as we know them to our clients so they may make informed decisions regarding every aspect of their travel plans.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

 As professional travel agents, we are trained to monitor situations that may impact clients’ travel plans and how they travel. As such, we are also in a position to recommend steps they can take to ease their travels.

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website, as well as other governmental and industry sources, for travel alerts and information that would be of importance to our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue that may impact our clients’ travel plans, we try to immediately contact the client so they can determine for themselves how they may want to adjust their plans.