Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
BUSINESS TRAVEL CHECK POINT

Industry and Government Working To Safeguard Business Travel

· Airport Authorities Initiate New Identification Procedures for all Personnel
· Carriers Equip Fleets with Stronger Cockpit Doors
· Passenger Profiling Now Computerized and Commonplace

This chart is a work in progress. In order to maintain a rich resource of updated news, ACTE relies on the continued support of airlines, airport authorities, and government agencies.


Last updated March 27, 2002 1:19 pm EST
Action
Status
Comments
Government

GENERAL NEWS

Overview of the Aviation Security and Transportation Security Act of 2001 signed into law 11/19.

 

The Act details about federalizing security screening for the next three years. After that, individual airports would have the right to opt out of that federal system and request that the screening be handled by either private contractors, state or local law enforcement. All employees would have to be U.S. citizens. The new system is meant to provide uniform standards for security screeners at airports, no matter who employs the workers.

   

• Transportation Secretary, Norman
  Mineta met with major airlines to map
  out transition plan
• The Transportation Safety Administration,
  a new federal agency was created in the
  Department of Transportation to oversee
  and administer the federalized security program.
• All baggage screeners (new hires)
  must be US citizens, proficient in
  English and without criminal record
• All airports will have federal screening
  within year of bill's enactment.
• Federal Security Directors will be
  assigned to busiest airports
• Screeners will examine ALL checked
  and carry-on baggage
• All bags will be screened for explosive
  by end of 2002.
The Act additionally calls for:
• Passengers will have to pay a new fee, $2.50
  per leg with a maximum fee of $5 per one-way
  airline trip, for the enhancements, starting in February.
• Strengthened airplane cockpit doors
• The presence of armed air marshals on many flights
• Pilots will be allowed to carry arms after
  completing training program.
• All individuals / vehicles with access to
  secure areas will be screened.
Full Text of Legislation

In Progress

• Three years after bill's enactment, all    airports will have the option to have    federal screeners or private    screeners.

 

 

 

 

 

• At present, no more than 10 percent   of checked bags is screened for   explosives

 

1/13 - The FAA ordered U.S. airlines to install new cockpit doors on more than 6,000 commercial aircraft.

3/17 - In a move they now say was a mistake, federal aviation security officials issued confidential instructions to new federal airport security staffers last month permitting passengers to carry baseball bats, hockey sticks, ski poles, pool cues and golf clubs.
The security directive allowing those items has been rescinded, and a new one will issued outlining a more restricted list of what is permitted beyond security checkpoints.
A copy of the first revised list was made available to the Los Angeles Times by a security source who disagreed with the new policy. Baseball bats and many of the other items were forbidden when security was tightened immediately after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. After inquiries by the Times on Friday, Transportation Department officials said the new policy was a mistake.
3/16 - The Federal Aviation Administration is ordering inspections of Airbus A300-600 aircraft that experience side-to-side movements similar to those of American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed Nov. 12. All 260 people on board and five on the ground died. The directive takes effect in April, but many airlines are doing volunteer inspections in the interim. The inspections also will affect Airbus A310s, which have similar nonmetallic composite tails. In some cases, airplanes would be grounded until the inspections were made.
2/1 - The FAA has provided new guidance for the nation's airlines regarding the searches of all electronic devices. Pagers, cell phones, computers, even electric toothbrushes will be subject to possible examination before boarding flights. Ongoing Besides basic X-ray scrutiny, some devices would also be subjected to explosive trace detector testing, or ETD.
2/1 - US federal aviation officials are testing a massive airport security screening system that would instantly reveal personal information on passengers, including travel history and living arrangementsÊ Federal authorities hope to test at least two prototypes in the coming months. Both prototypes would take years to complete. The system would establish a computer network linking every ticket reservation system in the United States to private and government databases. Software would identify any patterns or unusual data that could suggest a potential threat, even before the scheduled day of flight. After reviewing the data, the security system would assign each passenger a threat index score; passengers with high scores would be singled out for additional screening by authorities.
1/19/02 - Airport security screening staff would get twice as much training on how to identify suspicious items and deal with passengers under guidelines proposed by the U.S.'s new Transportation Security Agency (TSA). Pending approval. The proposal calls for each screener to receive a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of on-the-job training, then pass an exam.
1/18 - The Federal Aviation Administration issued new guidance for how airline crews should be trained to respond to potential threats by passengers, shifting the strategy from a passive, almost cooperative response to active resistance. Airlines have 60 days from Jan. 18 to amend their training programs to incorporate the new guidelines. Once the programs are approved, crew members must be trained within six months. The new guidelines mandate that in any suspected or actual hijack attempt, the flight crew should land the aircraft as quickly as possible to minimize the time hijackers would have to commandeer the aircraft. Also, any passenger disturbance should be considered a possible diversion for other more serious acts.
1/13/02 - The FAA ordered U.S. airlines to install new cockpit doors on more than 6,000 commercial aircraft to prevent intrusion and resist certain gunfire and explosives, including grenades. Carriers have 18 months to replace cockpit doors and related structures on the aircraft bulkhead. The order went beyond temporary steps, including the installation of bars and deadbolts to limit access to the flight deck, already taken by airlines to secure. A federal grant program that sets aside $100 million for aviation security upgrades would help carriers finance the project.
1/7/02 - The Federal Aviation Administration has established a special advisory committee to consider more than 14,000 unsolicited proposals for improving airline security. Unfolding Most suggestions concentrate on strengthened cockpit doors and changes that would prevent hijackers from switching off transponders that inform controllers of a plane's position.
1/8 - President Bush installed former Secret Service Director John Magaw to head the new agency created to oversee transport security. He is assigned to hiring more than 28,000 security screeners and developing an enhanced explosives detection system by the fall. He will assume responsibility for all civil aviation security functions by 2/18/02.Ê Immediate Magaw was installed using the recess appointment-a rarely used presidential prerogative-pending a Senate confirmation, which is expected once Congress reconvenes Jan. 23.
1/8 The Transportation Department hired Korn/Ferry International to help recruit 81 federal security directors for the nation's top 81 airports    
1/3 - The U.S. Department of Transportation is levying a new security fee of $2.50 per flight leg for passengers using a U.S. airport. Fees take effect Feb. 1 The funds are to be spent on airport security measures, including new technology, better-trained passenger screeners, and law enforcement officers.
12/26 - The FAA has issued a new security directive requiring airports and airlines to take specific action to step up aviation security. Ongoing The measure is mandatory for US airlines and airports, but also is issued to foreign carriers and airport authorities in an advisory capacity.
12/20 - $200 million of the $20 billion anti-terrorism package Congress approved on Dec. 20 is earmarked for the FAA. Ongoing Funds will be used to hire sky marshals and to pay for strengthening cockpit doors.
12/17 - About 70 percent of those recently polled by the Pew Research Center on the topic of a national ID card, said that they favor a system that would require people to show a card to authorities who request it. Active debate Logistical problems and potentially high costs make implementation of a mandatory national ID system unlikely in the near future.
12/17 - Rep. Stephen Horn (R-Calif.) introduced a bill that calls for the development of a Commission on Homeland Security to study the federal governments U.S. safety/security efforts, including the use of a national ID system. In Progress According to Horn the commission is intended to advance the debates on safety/security issues.
12/15 - The Air Transport Association has called for the creation of a voluntary travel card for passengers that would include a biometric identifier and would link to a government system of databases including criminal and financial intelligence. The proposed card would allow passengers, who agree to use it, easier access to airplanes. Proposed  
12/14 - John Magaw, former head of the Secret Service and of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, has been nominated as the United States' first Undersecretary of Transportation Security. Subject to Senate approval If confirmed, Magaw would serve five years.
12/14 - The U.S. Department of State is warning U.S. citizens to "evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety" before deciding to travel to Algeria. Ongoing It is not advised that U.S. citizens move anywhere in Algeria unless accompanied by a known Algerian companion. This applies to walking the streets of Algiers and other cities.
12/14 - The U.S. government warned Americans to defer travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, saying there was a strong chance of more terrorists acts in the region. Ongoing The updated travel warning follows a series of Palestinian suicide bombings and retaliatory strikes by the Israeli military.
12/14 - The general aviation industry recommended Wednesday that the government match the names of those renting or buying an aircraft with law enforcement "watch lists" and review records of all U.S. pilots to make sure they are not members of or support terror groups. Ongoing The system also works for bags coming in from connecting flights.
12/2 - The UN agency that oversees civil aviation will hold a high level conference on Feb. 19-20th in Montreal, Canada aimed at improving air safety.
In Progress
The meeting will bring together transportation ministers and other top officials from the agency's 187 nations.
11/30 - "Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act" introduced in the Senate Directs the Attorney General to waive INS personnel limits. Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Summary and entire text is available here.
11/30 - The FAA secured a contract with In Vision Technologies to provide imaging systems that will detect concealed weapons.
In
Progress
100 imaging detection systems will be installed at undisclosed locations in the US. They have the ability to store each person's image, so security personnel can review passenger screenings later.

11/29 - National Transportation Safety Board asked the National Aeronautics and Space Museum to help them
find out why the tail of American Airlines 587 fell off.

In Progress
The Board said that the vertical stabilizer and rubber of the plane are being sent to NASA's research center to be further analyzed. The FAA has ordered inspections of all Airbus A300-600 and A310 planes, which have similar tails.
  10/22 - Air marshals flying on select flights. Program to be expanded ASAP. In Progress More than 55,000 applicants have applied for sky marshal positions. Positions are being filled from law enforcement organizations first.
Action
Status
Comments
AIRPORT AUTHORITIES
GENERAL NEWS
1/29 - The number of planes, people or vehicles mistakenly entering airport runways declined significantly in 2001, reversing a trend that had alarmed safety experts. N/A The National Transportation Safety Board has made stopping runway incursions one of its top-priority safety improvements.
1/24 Staffing requirements for increased security at the nation’s airports are likely to force the new Transportation Security Administration to hire 40,000 airport security workers by the end of the year, not the 30,000 currently envisioned. Under consideration by Congress. The warning was raised by DOT Inspector General Kenneth R. Mead in Congressional testimony, who added that the security administration needs to look at ways to work the minivan-sized scanners into airport bag-handling systems instead of dropping them into lobbies near ticket counters.Ê
1/10/02 - The Federal Aviation Administration urged the private aviation industry to adopt stricter security measures after a student pilot's suicidal flight into a Tampa, Fla., high-rise. Unfolding In a notice distributed around the country, the agency outlined a series of 11 voluntary steps to limit unsupervised access to aircraft by novice pilots.
12/27 - Canadian airport authorities have begun instituting special security measures for flights from Montreal and Toronto to U.S. destinations. Ongoing Passengers selected at random are required to remove their shoes for X-ray screening. Bomb-sniffing dogs are also patrolling the airports
12/19 - The Federal Aviation Administration lifted restrictions on the airspace around 30 cities where general aviation planes and helicopters have been prohibited since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. ongoing from 12/19 Washington, DC, New York and Boston will have increased access to airspace under the order, but some restrictions will remain in effect.
12/19 - The airline industry is offering an enhanced computerized profiling system to identify potentially threatening passengers as an alternative to the congressional requirement that all checked luggage be screened for explosives. Rejected by the DOT The DOT countered this request with a plan to increase hand searches of bags and the practice of matching checked luggage to passengers aboard a flight. Airlines are resisting hand searches because they could increase passenger waiting times at airports.
12/19 - The aviation industry is seeking a congressional amendment that would delay the deadline by 30 days. Pending  
12/17 - Several U.S. airports are considering using new technology that scans faces in a crowd for known terrorists and criminals. Airports in Boston and Dallas and at least one in Florida may install the "FaceIt" system. Pending "FaceIt" compares faces in a crowd to a database of known criminals or terrorists, sounding an alarm when a match is made.
11/6 - Egypt Air, Kuwait Airways, Canada-based Air Transat, Greece-based Olympic Airways, and Germany-based LTU have all agreed to participate in providing US officials with advance information on passengers. Complete The airlines will provide names, birth dates, passport and visa information and in some cases travel itineraries.
10/23 - Airports across the country revoked all security badges and are issuing new ones to tens of thousands of employees, closing a major security loophole. Complete This action will eliminate access to aircraft and restrict areas by unauthorized personnel. New cards are almost impossible to duplicate.
Cars and vehicles parked outside airports to be carefully monitored. Complete New FAA Guidelines
• Atlanta, GA 12/17 - Airlines reported a return to near normal operations by the end of Saturday morning, following the chaos caused at the airport by a security breach on Friday. Resolved The man who ran through the checkpoint claimed he was dashing back to the main terminal to find a camera and was arrested and released on bail. He could face federal charges for breaching airport security.
  12/16 - Flights were halted and up to 10,000 people were evacuated from the terminal because a man ran through a security checkpoint. Suspect unknown All precautionary measures were taken to assure passenger safety. The Federal Aviation Administration stopped all departures at Hartsfield and planes in other cities going to Atlanta were told to remain on the ground.
  12/14 - According to the airports chief, Hartsfield will probably not meet deadlines for tighter screening of checked luggage. In Progress Ben DeCosta, general manager, said the world's busiest airport has too few screeners to meet a January 18 deadline for inspecting all suitcases by either hand or machine. To meet the deadline for machine-screening of all baggage, Hartsfield would need not only dozens of new machines - at about US$1.2 million each - but also trained workers to operate them.
• Baltimore, MD Officials at Baltimore-Washington International Airport have accelerated the rebadging security process for employees by scheduling group appointments. Complete BWI officials have eased line tension by allowing food vendors with carts to service folks waiting on line.
• Boston, MA 12/17 - Three companies took over security checkpoints Friday at Logan International Airport in Boston, replacing a firm that had been blamed for several recent security breaches. Ongoing Delta, US Airways and America West will each have a different security company handling the screening of their passengers.
12/14 - Boston's Logan Airport soon will test a high-tech system to detect phony passports and other doctored identification papers. Logan is the first U.S. airport to install the $10,000 devices. Ongoing The system is already in use at England's Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
12/3 A governor appointed task force has made several recommendations to strengthen security at Logan International, including improved cooperation with federal aviation authorities, a clear chain of command for security, better management, and passenger and baggage screening that will go beyond federal requirements.
In Progress
 
11/16 Boston Logan's security superintendent Col. John DiFava, suspended the state operating license of Argenbright Security who was responsible for Delta Airlines, Delta Shuttle, US Airways, and America West.   Logan security is being watched under a microscope since Sept.11th.
Boston's Logan International hires Rafi Rob to replace Joseph Lawless as Security Chief. Complete Former security director for Israel's El Al Airlines is expected to implement tough new security measures
• Dallas, TX Dallas-Fort Worth asked Congress to help fund a program for mobile command vehicles, decontamination response equipment, hardening of terminal buildings, the construction of an emergency operations building, and enhanced surveillance equipment. Pending  
• Denver, CO Twenty-four hour surveillance and security checks of hanger facilities will be conducted following the installation of Aeroview, a low-light camera system enhanced by motion detectors and LAN connect, at Jefferson County Airport, in Denver. Complete  
     
• Detroit, MI 02/24 - The WorldGateway opened on schedule Complete  
12/19 - Northwest Airlines is adding seven additional security checkpoint lanes to shorten security line waits in the new Edward H. McNamara Terminal/Northwest WorldGateway. With a total of 19 lanes, the airline expects average security wait times to be under ten minutes. Northwest's WorldGateway is scheduled to open February 24, 2002.  
• Houston, TX Officials at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport are studying a plan to streamline security clearance procedures for frequent travelers; which uses a voluntary pre-screening and issuance of "smart" credentials. Pending This system would enable security officials to concentrate on potential risks.
• JFK, NY A pilot program to use retired law enforcement officers for
security at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport was announced.
Pending
approval
The plan would replace existing airport personnel with retired law enforcement officers, including thousands of former New York City and metropolitan area police officers, federal law enforcement, military and fire personnel as well as others from the state and federal levels. If approved, it will be the first such program in the nation.
• Los Angeles, CA 12/20 - Airlines serving LAX estimate that 1.8 million holiday travelers will pass through the airport between December 21 and January 2. Airport officials believe the airlines are using the recent Thanksgiving travel experience to better accommodate the flow of passengers through the recent federally mandated security requirements. In Progress Travelers will still experience many security measures implemented by the airlines and the airport - all designed to increase their personal safety and security.
12/14 - Officials announced that terminal curbside in the Central Terminal Area at LAX will reopen to private vehicles for passenger drop-off and pick-up at 5.00 a.m. on Saturday, December 15. Complete This action is being taken to respond to growing demand by passengers to find ways to make LAX more "user-friendly" by encouraging and facilitating more air travel, while maintaining the highest level of security.
10/26 - Firefighters at LAX set up a mass casualty decontamination unit yesterday to treat people in the event of a biological or chemical attack. The unit, essentially a portable shower system, can decontaminate as many as 750 people per hour. Complete Each unit cost $243,000, and is part of an already intense security effort at LAX, which includes a National Guard troop patrol that may be increased to heighten alert against any terrorist attack.
• San Francisco, CA Authorities at San Francisco International Airport are studying face recognition technology to replace or augment the existing handprint system for access to restricted areas. In Progress   
San Jose International 1/24 San Jose International Airport is seeking a $12.2 million federal grant to help pay for new, additional or revised security. Pending Airport authorities estimate it will cost at least $145 million to meet the federal requirement for all checked baggage to be inspected by explosives detection systems by Dec. 31st. The money would be spent on terminal modifications to accommodate bomb-sniffing machines, enhancements to security checkpoints, baggage systems, and security for parking and airfield perimeters.
Action
Status
Comments
AIRLINES
GENERAL NEWS 2/22 - Boeing said that over 1,620 of its aircraft in the United States are contracted to be fitted with reinforced bullet-proof cockpit doors. In Progress Five U.S. carriers have so far contracted to have 1,627 of their aircraft fitted with the doors designed to prevent cockpit intrusion and resist certain gunfire and explosives.
12/26 - A squad of undercover air marshals has completed training and is ready for deployment on Australia's airlines. Ongoing The guards will be armed and in plain clothes to be indistinguishable from passengers.
11/30 - Some of the biggest US Airlines, including United, American, Northwest and Delta have extended the deadline on business-fare discounts well into 2002. In Progress In an effort to win back business travelers, many deals do not require a Saturday night stay.
11/7 - Air France and British Airways will now fly Concorde planes, the world's only supersonic jetliners, which have made a long awaited comeback to commercial service. Complete The new Concorde has been fitted with fuel-tank liners of bulletproof Kevlar, a flameproof reinforced undercarriage and newly designed, extra-resistant radial tires.The jetliner can reach its destination in half the time of conventional jets. Although a roundtrip from Paris to New York can cost up to $7,000, Air France and British Airways are confident that the 100 seat planes will fill up.
 
• Alaska Airlines 10/21- Alaska Air introduces fully armored kevlar cockpit doors to be installed on all planes. In Progress  
• Air Canada 3/17 - Air Canada has banned author Salman Rushdie from its flights because the extra security required for him to fly could mean long delays for other passengers. Ongoing. Rushdie, whose book The Satanic Verses was considered blasphemous by some Muslims, was threatened with death by Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in a 1989 edict. The Iranian government has since said the edict had ended, but some groups have renewed calls for Rushdie to be killed. Air Canada said that a U.S. FAA directive requires special security measures if Rushdie is on an airplane entering the U.S. Rather than take those extra measures, the airline chose to keep Rushdie off its planes instead.
America West 12/17 - America West, the nation's eighth-largest airline was the first to seek part of the $10 billion in loan guarantees that Congress approved immediately after Sept. 11th. Under review The government's review of the application is being watched closely because it could set a precedent that may determine if other airlines file similar applications for aid.
• American Airlines 11/28 - American Airlines is testing separate security processing to shorten waiting time for its top customers, including certain business, first class, and frequent-flier passengers. In Progress  
10/24 - American has equipped 711 aircraft w/reinforced cockpit doors, representing 81 % of the AA and TWA combined fleet. TWA is 100 % complete. Complete Totally completed in two weeks
10/22 - American on schedule for installation of new door barriers on 818 planes for mid-November. Complete  
• Continental 11/28 - Continental is still evaluating whether or not to implement separate security processing for top customers. In Progress  
10/22 - Continental Airlines announces its fleet is fitted with new security bars. Complete  
• Delta Airlines 12/17 - Delta has reduced waiting time for its Washington, Boston and New York customers during peak hours to one hour and in off-peak periods 30-45 minutes. Only passengers holding an electronic ticket receipt, travel agency itinerary, Delta itinerary card, delta.com itinerary, boarding document or a paper ticket will be allowed past the security checkpoint. Complete Customers are encouraged to use the self-serve kiosks to get boarding documents, a process that takes less than a minute, and to visit delta.com for updated airport waiting times before leaving for the airport.
11/28 - Delta is testing separate security processing to shorten waiting time for its top customers, including platinum and gold medallion, first class, and frequent-flier passengers. In Progress  
• Frontier Airlines 12/14 - Frontier Airlines has just implemented a program that ensures that every bag checked onto a flight belongs to a passenger. Ongoing Airline officials will use an automated system to check if a passenger actually boarded a flight, and if not, the bags are removed from the plane.
• Lufthansa 11/15 - German airline Lufthansa AG (G.LHA) said Thursday that it was doubling the number of its flights from Hong Kong to Munich to six. In Progress  
• Northwest Airlines 03/07 - Northwest Airlines has expanded the number of locations where it offers security checkpoint express lines from 6 to 19 airports nationwide. Northwestís express lines, which lead up to airport security checkpoints, are available to customers traveling in First Class, World Business Class or customers who have achieved either Platinum Elite or Gold Elite status in the airlineís WorldPerks frequent flier program.
Notes - the 19 airports are:
Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Seattle, Chicago OíHare, Los Angeles Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Houston Bush Intercontinental, Miami, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix,
San Francisco, and Washington Dulles.
   
02/24 - The WorldGateway opened on schedule Complete  
01/18 - Over the past two months, Northwest conducted extensive tests of additional baggage screening procedures. Based on the results of these tests, Northwest implemented the 100% baggage screening in accordance with the federal Aviation and Transportation Security Act. These changes are seamless and transparent to customers and have no significant impact on the airline's operations. For more information link to http://www.nwa.com/corpinfo/newsc/press.shtml Complete  

12/19 - Northwest Airlines is adding seven additional security checkpoint lanes to shorten security line waits in the new Edward H. McNamara Terminal/Northwest WorldGateway. With a total of 19 lanes, the airline expects average security wait times to be under ten minutes.

Northwest's WorldGateway is scheduled to open February 24, 2002.  
     
12/19 - Northwest announces plans to add an additional 5 security lanes at its Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit hubs, for a total of 30 new lanes. Complete  
11/1 - Northwest launches a program to add 25 additional security lanes and increase security checkpoint staffing at its three domestic hubs and several key airports, shortening security line waits to under 10 minutes on average. Complete  
10/22 - Northwest completes installation of flight deck security enhancements on its entire operating fleet. Complete  
• United Airlines 12/17 - United introduced a new on-line feature that will offer information on airport security waiting times for all airports, it has expanded its priority security checkpoint lanes to assure premium customers can pass through security quickly and by December 24th, the airline will install 25 additional security lanes at some of its busiest airports. Complete  
11/28 - United is testing separate security processing to shorten waiting time for its top customers, including first class, and frequent-flier passengers.    
11/15 - United plans to become the first major airline to install stun guns in all cockpits. It will also provide special self-protection training for attendants. In Progress  
10/22 - United announces that their entire fleet has new door barriers. Complete  

This information was acquired from various sources (government, industry, & public), and is subject to change without notice. It is as accurate as possible as of December 21, 2001. The information is offered as a service to ACTE members as a gauge of industry and government endeavors to safeguard business travel. ACTE assumes no responsibility for accuracy.

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