Message In a Carry-On - TSA Communication Plates [Evolution of Security]
Image by Evan Roth
by Jenni Chasteen, Marketing Assistant · October 10th, 2008 → No CommentsTags: carry-on·destinations·funny·Japan·monkeys·packing·roundup·travel·TSA
The liquid ban got some attention recently when Virgin Airways called for a review of the carry-on limits, particularly concerning liquids. At the time the Department of Transportation said it had no intentions of changing the restrictions stating “…a generic capability exists to create liquid bombs from domestic items.”
Not even a month later the TSA sings a different tune. They’ve announced that they foresee the liquid restrictions to be more relaxed. ” TSA Chief Kip Hawley says,
“I think realistically in one year we, the TSA and foreign colleagues, will be a position to relax liquids restrictions. We are within a year of having the ability to differentiate threat liquids through the screening process.”
The reason for the change of heart? A new X-ray machine that can detect explosives. The machines are already in use, but the software that detects the bombs is still being tested. With the new technology liquids will most likely still have to be removed first, but the limits on quantity may be relaxed in ‘09. In the meantime? Get out your 1 qt baggies and 3oz bottles.
TSA Likely to Relax Liquid Ban in 2009 [MSN Travel]
Photo by msmail
by Jenni Chasteen, Marketing Assistant · October 3rd, 2008 → No CommentsTags: carry-on·tech·travel·TSA
Aside from airline fees, one of the top complaints traveler’s have lately is the amount of time it takes to get through security. The TSA has tried to address this issue by implementing self-regulated lanes designed for different types of travelers. The only downside to system where each passenger decides their level of expertise is that people may tend to chose whatever line they think will be quickest, regardless of how often they travel… leaving the people who actually DO travel often stuck waiting behind someone less prepared (as usual).
A few airlines are taking matters into their own hands and plan to provide special priority lines to their frequent travelers. American Airlines announced last week that they’re starting their Priority Access, giving their top customers dedicated security and boarding lines to speed up their trip. Today Southwest Airlines announced Fly By, which will provide a priority security lane to Business Select and Rapid Reward A-List customers. Both programs are said to begin sometime in late October. This sounds like great news for frequent travelers who are sick of getting held up in long lines. While we’re not sure how TSA policies play into this, we suspect you’ll still have to remove your shoes. But at least the people in line with you know the drill and are probably wearing slip-ons.
Southwest Airlines Introduces Priority Security Lanes at Select Airports
American Airlines Adds Airport Perks for Top Travelers
Photo by Ingorr
by Jenni Chasteen, Marketing Assistant · October 1st, 2008 → 1 CommentTags: American Airlines·queue·security·Southwest Airlines·travel·TSA
Photo by Andrew Currie
by Jenni Chasteen, Marketing Assistant · September 26th, 2008 → No CommentsTags: airline fees·Homeland Security·packing·privacy·roundup·security·travel·travel tips·TSA
The road to hell is paved on MALINTENT
Our good friends from the Department for Homeland Security are developing a system that will monitor various responses from travelers and determine whether or not they may be suspicious or have criminal intent. The TSA already employs methods of psychological and behavioral screening, which they claim to be quite successful… but it’s done by actual trained human beings. The MALINTENT device has the ability to detect subtle facial movements as well as body temperature, heart rate and respiration. While a human being may overlook slight changes in a persons physiology, the device will always detect it. The makers of the device also claim that it can differentiate between a stressed passenger and a malicious terrorist.
Project leader Bob Burns said:
“If you focus on looking at the person, you don’t have to worry about detecting the device itself… It analyses you against baseline stats when you walk in the door, it measures reactions and variations when you approach and go through the portal.”
Personally, I find the implications of that statement rather unsettling. Rather than looking for harmful devices and dangerous situations, we would be relying on the device to find people who are untrustworthy and up to no good… potentially arresting the nervous hoodlum teenager and missing the deranged sociopath who’s able to walk through without displaying any sign of “malintent”. Perhaps that conclusion is a bit extreme, but isn’t the point of all of our aviation abuse to take zero risks and avoid every possible negative situation?
The goal of MALINTENT is to avoid long lines and abolish the dreaded liquid bans. But there are less invasive means of dealing with the issue of liquids and bombs, such as using devices that test liquids for explosives. Even the TSA is attempting to test different methods of detecting bombs hidden in shoes.
The intentions of the developers of this technology seem to be based on good notions, but can we afford to continue to let the government push the envelope on exploitative technology in order to keep us safe? Especially when it becomes a replacement for training and common sense and the people doing the screening are exempt from their own rules? I’m reminded of a phrase that I think the creators of MALINTENT may have missed…
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
by Jenni Chasteen, Marketing Assistant · September 25th, 2008 → 1 CommentTags: Homeland Security·privacy·rights·security·tech·travel·TSA
The folks over at TwinCities had a great question from a reader regarding luggage locks.
“I bought a couple of TSA-approved padlocks. But we just returned from Rome to find the locks had been snipped off — along with most of the zipper pull. Leaving bags unlocked seems like an open invitation to any baggage handler with a little spare time, but locking invites the security people to ‘make their day.’ What is best today?”
They suggest that you use your best judgment to decide whether or not to use the locks, and mention that if you don’t use a lock, you shouldn’t store anything valuable in your checked luggage. Even if you chose to lock your bag, you really should avoid checking valuables in case your bag is lost or damaged.
TSA spokeswoman Sterling Payne urges travelers to use a TSA approved lock because the officers are aware of which locks are approved. We’d like to point out that ANYONE can recognize which locks are approved since all of them are clearly marked.
If the TSA does damage your luggage you can file a claim here.
We’d also like to add that it’s never a bad idea to report any damage or loss to the Department of Transportation as well.
View TSA friendly locks on Luggage Online.
Photo by msmail.
by Jenni Chasteen, Marketing Assistant · September 22nd, 2008 
