ASTA Praises TSA for Its Risk-Based Screening Initiative

During a briefing on July 14, 2011, Administrator Pistole informed industry stakeholders that a new pilot program will begin this fall to test enhancements to TSA's pre-flight, identity-based screening system through a partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and select airlines. As part of this initiative, select airline frequent fliers, as well as select members of CBP’s Trusted Traveler programs who are U.S. citizens will be asked to participate in the pilot program. As part of the pilot, participants will be eligible to go through expedited security screening at four test airports (Atlanta, Detroit, Miami and Dallas Ft. Worth).
 
"This initiative is a solid step in the right direction," said Tony Gonchar, ASTA's CEO.  “We praise Administrator Pistole’s leadership in moving TSA security screening to a risk-based system that will not only strengthen the nation’s airport security system, but also improve the passenger experience”.
 
"TSA has listened to its stakeholders,” said Chris Russo, ASTA’s president and chair. “The current one-size-fits-all approach to airport security works, but it is not very efficient. This common sense approach to airport security screening will allow TSA to refocus resources toward high risk targets, and at the same time make traveling much easier for many frequent travelers. We support TSA’s pilot program.”
 
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.

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