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54-696: TSA PreCheck (branded as TSA Pre✓ ) is a trusted traveler program initiated in December 2013 and administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration that allows selected members of select frequent flyer programs , members of Global Entry , Free and Secure Trade , NEXUS , and SENTRI , members of the US military, and cadets and midshipmen of the United States service academies to receive expedited screening for domestic and select international itineraries. As of October 2024, 104 airlines participate in

108-528: A certificate of identity . Passed by Congress in 2005, the Real ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. Implementation has been deferred for over a decade by DHS, and enforcement has never begun. Passenger names are compared against

162-425: A November 2010 poll, 50% of those polled felt that the new pat-down procedures were too extreme, with 48% feeling them justified. A number of publicized incidents created a public outcry against the invasiveness of the pat-down techniques, in which women's breasts and the genital areas of all passengers are patted. Pat-downs are carried out by agents of the same gender as the passenger. Concerns were raised as to

216-611: A can of wasp killer, then started swinging his machete. A TSA agent blocked the machete with a piece of luggage, as White ran through a metal detector. A Jefferson Parish deputy sheriff shot and killed White as he was chasing a TSA officer with his machete. TSA continued working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States . As of December 31, 2020, TSA cumulatively had 4,978 federal employees test positive for COVID-19 : 4,219 of those employees recovered, and 12 died as

270-459: A combined federal law enforcement and regulatory agency . The TSA develops key policies to protect the U.S. transportation system, including highways, railroads, bus networks, mass transit systems , ports , pipelines , and intermodal freight facilities. It fulfills this mission in conjunction with other federal, state , local and foreign government partners. However, the TSA's primary mission

324-470: A indicator printed on their boarding pass that may say "TSAPRECHK", "TSA PRE", or "TSA Pre✓®" depending on the airline and type of boarding pass. The program has led to complaints of unfairness and longer wait lines. TSA says that PreCheck is not guaranteed every flight, as passengers are subject to random exclusions. Furthermore, passengers may be disqualified or suspended from PreCheck for violations of federal transportation security regulations. TSA maintains

378-607: A list of credit card issuers and loyalty programs that reimburse members' TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. The program made a major change in May 2023. Citing high travel demand, TSA announced that children aged between 13 and 17 would be able to accompany a parent or guardian through the PreCheck security lines as long as they are all under the same reservation, and the parent or guardian has PreCheck linked on their reservation. Children 12 and under were already allowed to do

432-423: A result of the virus. The TSA requires passengers 18 and older to show a valid ID at the security checkpoint before boarding their flight. Valid forms of identification include passports from the U.S. or a foreign government, state or tribal-issued photo identification, or military ID. Passengers that do not have ID are often still allowed to fly if their identity can be verified through alternate means satisfying

486-428: A retention bonus of up to 35%. This program has led to concerns about, and allegations of racial profiling . According to the TSA, SPOT screening officers are trained to observe behaviors only and not a person's appearance, race, ethnicity or religion. In 2008, TSA officers began wearing new uniforms that have a royal blue duty shirt, dark blue (almost black) pants, and black belt. The first airport to introduce

540-626: A single federal agency could best protect passenger aviation. Congress agreed, and authorized the creation of the TSA in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act , which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on November 19, 2001. Bush nominated John Magaw on December 10, and he was confirmed by the Senate the following January. The agency was initially placed under the United States Department of Transportation but

594-466: A total of $ 6,904,035.98 has been left behind, including a record $ 960,105.49 in FY 2018. In fiscal year 2019, $ 926,030.44 was unclaimed. Private screening did not disappear entirely under the TSA, which allows airports to opt-out of the federal screening and hire firms to do the job instead. Such firms must still get TSA approval under its Screening Partnership Program (SPP) and follow TSA procedures. Among

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648-450: A total to 65 carriers were participating in the program. In October 2013, the TSA announced that it had begun searching a wide variety of government and private databases for information about passengers before they arrive at the airport. They did not say which databases were involved, but TSA has access to past travel itineraries, property records, physical characteristics, law enforcement, and intelligence information, among others. After

702-549: Is airport security and the prevention of aircraft hijacking . It is responsible for screening passengers and baggage at more than 450 U.S. airports, employing screening officers, explosives detection dog handlers, and bomb technicians in airports, and armed Federal Air Marshals and Federal Flight Deck Officers on aircraft. At first a part of the Department of Transportation , the TSA became part of DHS in March 2003. It

756-720: Is also the Executive Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service . Headquarters Regional administration Spoke–hub or Category X airport -level administration Airport-level In August 2017, the General Services Administration announced a new headquarters for the TSA would be built in Springfield, Virginia . The new, 625,000-square-foot headquarters was built near the outskirts of Fort Belvoir and

810-412: Is called "passenger-baggage reconciliation" and is accomplished automatically through two commercially available systems. The security presumption of passenger-baggage reconciliation is that terrorists will not want to kill themselves, and will not board an aircraft if they have caused a bomb to be placed in its hold. This presumption does not hold true of suicide bombers . Unaccompanied suitcases led to

864-569: Is currently led by Administrator David Pekoske and is headquartered in Springfield, Virginia . As of the fiscal year 2023, the TSA operated on a budget of approximately $ 9.70 billion and employed over 47,000 Transportation Security Officers, Transportation Security Specialists, Federal Air Marshals, and other security personnel. The TSA has screening processes and regulations related to passengers and checked and carry-on luggage , including identification verification , pat-downs , full-body scanners , and explosives screening . Since its inception,

918-749: Is no less than that of their counterparts on the General Schedule pay scale.” It also directed that TSOs be offered expanded collective bargaining rights mirroring Title 5 of the United States Code , and appeals of adverse actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board . In July 2023, a new pay system mirroring the General Schedule was introduced following appropriations made by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 . For TSOs,

972-543: The Franconia-Springfield Metro station , and cost $ 316 million. On September 11, 2018, TSA adopted a new flag representing its core values and founding principles. The design features a white, graphically stylized American eagle sitting centrally located inside rings of red and white against a field of blue, with its dynamically feathered wings outstretched in a pose signifying protection, vigilance, and commitment. The eagle’s wings, which break through

1026-661: The National Treasury Employees Union . In May 2024, an expanded collective bargaining agreement with a 7 year term was signed between TSA and AFGE. On Friday, November 1, 2013, TSA officer Gerardo I. Hernandez, age 39, was shot and killed by a lone gunman at the Los Angeles International Airport. Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia, who was shot and wounded by law enforcement officers before being taken into custody. Ciancia

1080-503: The No Fly List , a list of about 21,000 names (as of 2012 ) of suspected terrorists who are not allowed to board. Passenger names are also compared against a longer list of selectees ; passengers whose names match names from this list receive a more thorough screening before being potentially allowed to board. The effectiveness of the lists has been criticized on the basis of errors in how those lists are maintained, for concerns that

1134-597: The September 11 Security Fee, for each one-way air-travel trip originating in the United States, not to exceed $ 11.20 per round-trip. In 2020, this passenger fee totaled $ 2.4 billion or roughly 32% of the budget allocated by Congress that year. Additionally, a small portion of TSA's budget comes from the loose change and small denomination cash left behind by travelers at airport security checkpoints, which TSA has been allowed to retain since 2005 under Section 44945 of title 49, United States Code. From FY 2008 through FY 2018,

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1188-824: The October 2010 cargo planes bomb plot , in which cargo containing laser printers with toner cartridges filled with explosives were discovered on separate cargo planes, the U.S. prohibited passengers from carrying certain printer cartridges on flights. The TSA said it would ban toner and ink cartridges weighing over 16 ounces (453 grams) from all passenger flights. The ban applies to both carry-on bags and checked bags, and does not affect average travelers, whose toner cartridges are generally lighter. Beginning in November 2010, TSA added new enhanced screening procedures. Passengers are required to choose between an enhanced patdown , allowing TSOs to more thoroughly check areas on

1242-440: The TSA benefits from the expertise and leadership of several Deputy Assistant Administrators and other executive officers, who contribute their knowledge and skills to various aspects of the agency's operations. Together, this structured leadership team forms the backbone of the TSA, working collectively to uphold and enhance the security of the nation's transportation networks. The Executive Assistant Administrator for Law Enforcement

1296-566: The TSA's 19-year history. Several have come to the job after previously serving as Coast Guard flag officers , including Loy, Neffenger, and Pekoske. Following the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 , which included a provision known as the TSA Modernization Act, the administrator's term was set as a five-year term retroactive to the start of current Administrator David Pekoske's term. It also made

1350-520: The US military, along with cadets and midshipmen of the United States service academies to receive expedited screening for domestic and select international itineraries. As of March 2019, this program was available at more than 200 airports. After completing a background check, being fingerprinted, and paying an $ 85 fee, travelers will get a Known Traveler Number. The program has led to complaints of unfairness and longer wait lines. Aeromexico , Etihad Airways , Cape Air , and Seaborne Airlines joined

1404-427: The agency has been subject to criticism and controversy regarding the effectiveness of various procedures, as well as incidents of baggage theft, data security, and allegations of prejudicial treatment towards certain ethnic groups. Undercover tests conducted by the Department of Homeland Security have shown that the TSA's failure rate frequently ranges between 80% and 95%. The TSA was created largely in response to

1458-444: The agency now uses only millimeter wave scanners which use non-ionizing radiation . The TSA refers to both systems as Advanced Imaging Technologies or AIT. Critics sometimes refer to them as "naked scanners," though operators no longer see images of the actual passenger, which has been replaced by a stick figure with boxes indicating areas of concern identified by the machine. In 2022, TSA announced it will allow passengers to select

1512-535: The areas near their checkpoints. Among the types of TSA employees are: Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) provide security and protection for air travelers, airports, and aircraft. This includes: The key requirements for employment are: As of September 2019 the salary range for a TSO is at least $ 28,668 to $ 40,954 per year, not including locality pay (contiguous 48 states) or cost of living allowance in Hawaii and Alaska. A handful of airports also have

1566-574: The body such as waistbands, groin, and inner thigh. or instead to be imaged by the use of a full body scanner (that is, either backscatter X-ray or millimeter wave detection machines) in order to fly. These changes were made in reaction to the Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab bombing attempt. The new pat-down procedures, which were originally not made public, "routinely involve the touching of buttocks and genitals " as well as breasts. These procedures were controversial, and in

1620-496: The career ladder begins at the D band and progresses to F band. Lead TSOs and supervisory TSOs are at the F and G band levels. Career ladders are also being worked on for non-TSOs. In 2011, former Administrator John Pistole granted limited collective bargaining rights to Transportation Security Officers following a union election between to federal employee unions, the American Federation of Government Employees and

1674-564: The checkpoint in a clear, one-quart zip-top bag . These restrictions on liquids were a reaction to the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot . The number of passengers who have been detected bringing firearms onto airplanes in their carry-on bags has increased in recent years, from 976 in 2009 to 4,239 in 2018, according to the TSA. Indeed, a new record high for firearms found in carry-on bags has been set every year since 2008. In 2010 an anonymous source told ABC News that undercover agents managed to bring weapons through security nearly 70 percent of

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1728-685: The constitutionality of the new screening methods by organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union . As of April 2011, at least six lawsuits were filed for violation of the Fourth Amendment . George Washington University law professor Jeffrey Rosen has supported this view, saying "there's a strong argument that the TSA's measures violate the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures." Concerns were also raised about

1782-412: The cost is included in the ticket price. According to the rules of most air transportation authorities, such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Union 's Joint Aviation Authorities , should passengers flying internationally with checked baggage fail to arrive at the departure gate before the flight is closed, that person's baggage must be retrieved from the aircraft hold before

1836-530: The deputy administrator a politically appointed position. At the helm of the TSA is the Administrator , who leads the organization's efforts in safeguarding the nation's airports, railways, seaports, and other critical transportation infrastructure. Assisting the Administrator is a Deputy Administrator, whose role is to provide support and guidance in executing the agency's mission. In addition,

1890-404: The downing of four flights, when a bomb inside the suitcase exploded: Spare lithium-ion batteries, inclusive of battery packs and powerbanks are not allowed on checked-in luggage. Excess baggage is the amount of baggage that is in excess of the free allowance in size, number, or weight permitted for the journey. At the carrier's discretion, this may be carried at an extra charge, but no guarantee

1944-438: The effects of these pat-downs on survivors of sexual assault. In January 2014, Denver police launched an investigation against a screener at Denver International Airport over what the passenger stated was an intrusive patdown. TSA has used two kinds of full body imaging technology since first deploying them in airports in 2010. Previously backscatter X-ray scanners were used which produced ionizing radiation . After criticism

1998-497: The flight is permitted to take off. For Singapore, passengers with prohibited items are required to take it out from the bags retrieved at the check-in counter, failing which the baggage will be flagged with prohibited items and will be dumped away before boarding. In the United States, this does not apply to domestic flights since all bags are required to go through explosive detection machines (EDS) prior to loading. Making sure passengers board flights onto which they have checked baggage

2052-428: The gender marker of their choice and alter algorithms used by the machines to be inclusive of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Previously the agency required screeners to select a male or female button based on a brief glance at the passenger as they entered the machine. Passengers are directed to hold their hands above their heads for a few seconds while front and back images are created. If

2106-587: The handful of U.S. airports with privately operated checkpoints are San Francisco International Airport , Kansas City International Airport , Greater Rochester International Airport , Tupelo Regional Airport , Key West International Airport , and Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport . However, the bulk of airport screening in the U.S. is done by the TSA's 46,661 (as of FY 2018) Transportation Security Officers (TSOs). They examine passengers and their baggage, and perform other security duties within airports, including controlling entry and exit points, and monitoring

2160-672: The lists are unconstitutional , and for its ineffectiveness at stopping Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab , who attempted to detonate plastic explosives in his underwear, from boarding an aircraft. At the airport security checkpoint, passengers are screened to ensure they are not carrying prohibited items. These include most sorts of sharp objects, many sporting goods such as baseball bats and hockey sticks, guns or other weapons, many sorts of tools, flammable liquids (except for conventional lighters), many forms of chemicals and paint. In addition, passengers are limited to 3.4 US fluid ounces (100 ml) of almost any liquid or gel, which must be presented at

2214-441: The machine indicates an anomaly to the operator, or if other problems occur, the passenger is required to receive a pat-down of that area. Checked baggage This baggage is limited by airlines with regard to size, weight, and number, usually dependent upon the fare paid, or class of ticket. Baggage exceeding the limits is regarded as excess baggage . Every airline has its own policies with regard to baggage allowance . Often

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2268-630: The new uniforms was Baltimore-Washington International Airport . Starting on September 11, 2008, all TSOs began wearing the new uniform. One stripe on the outer edge of each shoulder board denotes a TSO, two stripes a Lead TSO, and three a Supervisory TSO. Officers are issued badges and shoulder boards after completing a trainee period including 3-week academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia . The personnel system used by TSA

2322-664: The period from February to December 2002, 1.7 million applicants were assessed for 55,000 screening jobs. When TSA was part of the Department of Transportation , the head of the agency was referred to as the Undersecretary of Transportation for Security. Following the move to the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003, the position was reclassified as the administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. There have been seven administrators and six acting administrators in

2376-434: The policy is also dependent on where the flight goes to or comes from. Tickets executed by multiple airlines may have different rules. Usually the exact conditions of a specific booking are mentioned in the ticket information online. On short-haul internal flights in the US and Canada, with some exceptions, checked baggage is no longer complimentary with most discounted economy tickets , and must be paid for in addition to

2430-513: The program bringing the total number of member carriers to 16. On December 15, 2015, the program expanded to include Allegiant Air . On June 21, 2016, it was announced that Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines will also join the program starting in the fall of 2016. On August 31, 2016, the program expanded to include Lufthansa , and on September 29, 2016, Frontier Airlines was added. In 2017, 11 more airlines were added on January 26, and another seven were added on May 25. As of March 2019,

2484-522: The program, which is available at more than 200 airports. After completing a background check, being fingerprinted, and paying a $ 78 fee, travelers receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Unlike other trusted travel programs whose enrollment is managed by the U.S. government officials, the enrollment of TSA PreCheck is managed by three commercial companies called Clear , IDEMIA and Telos. TSA does not issue an ID card like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI do. Travelers are notified if they have PreCheck by having

2538-427: The red and white containment rings, indicate freedom of movement. There are nine stars and 11 rays emanating out from the top of the eagle to reference September 11. There is also a representation of land (roads) and sea which is representative of the modes of transportation. For fiscal year 2020, the TSA had a budget of roughly $ 7.68 billion. Part of the TSA budget comes from a $ 5.60 per-passenger fee, also known as

2592-436: The same. Transportation Security Administration The Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has authority over the security of transportation systems within and connecting to the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11 attacks to improve airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security under

2646-442: The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 , which revealed weaknesses in existing airport security procedures. At the time, a myriad of private security companies managed air travel security under contract to individual airlines or groups of airlines that used a given airport or terminal facility. Proponents of placing the government in charge of airport security, including Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta , argued that only

2700-541: The ticket price; a passenger generally has to hold a higher or full fare economy ticket, travel in a premium cabin, hold elite status on an airline, or an airline credit card to be afforded complimentary checked baggage. For long-haul and transoceanic flights, checked baggage is included as standard. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair in Europe and AirAsia in Asia charge for checked baggage, whilst for full-service airlines

2754-706: The time at some major airports. Firearms can be legally checked in checked luggage on domestic flights. In some cases, government leaders, members of the US military and law-enforcement officials are allowed to bypass security screening. In a program that began in October 2011, the TSA's PreCheck Program allows selected members of American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , United Airlines , Alaska Airlines , Hawaiian Airlines , Virgin America , Southwest Airlines , Air Canada , JetBlue , and Sun Country Airlines frequent flyer programs , members of Global Entry , Free and Secure Trade (FAST), NEXUS , SENTRI and members of

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2808-468: Was moved to the Department of Homeland Security when that department was formed on March 9, 2003. The new agency's effort to hire screeners to begin operating security checkpoints at airports represents a case of a large-scale staffing project completed over a short period. The only effort in U.S. history that came close to it was the testing of recruits for the armed forces in World War II . During

2862-591: Was originally based on the FAA's personnel system. Unlike a majority of the federal government, TSA employees are not on the General Schedule pay system. Instead, a pay band system with performance-based increases was used. In June 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas issued a memorandum which directed the TSA Administrator among other items to pay employees “at a level that

2916-587: Was wearing fatigues and carrying a bag containing a hand-written note that said he "wanted to kill TSA and pigs". Hernandez was the first TSA officer to be killed in the line of duty. On March 21, 2015, 63-year-old Richard White entered the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport armed with six Molotov cocktails , a gasoline lighter, and a machete . White began assaulting passengers and Transportation Security Administration officers by spraying them with

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