Passenger Frustration With Screening May Start A Trend

From late-night comics to angry members of Congress, TSA's full body scans and "enhanced" pat down procedures have gotten a full ration of bad publicity this year, to the point where a growing number of airports are considering reclaiming control of security screening from the government agency.

According to the Washington Post, sixteen airports have opted out of having the federal government screen passengers prior to boarding. Among them are San Francisco and Kansas City International. Orlando's airport authority has OKed the switch, but has not yet selected a contractor, and right in TSA's backyard, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has the option under review, according to a spokesperson.

The procedure, though, is fairly amorphous. Airports have to submit a formal request to TSA, but there is no set criteria for approval. Permission is dependent on the airport's "record of compliance" with security regulations.

There are some 30 private firms with contracts to provide security at airports ... all of them paid by TSA ... and all of them required to use the same technology and techniques as the federal agency. The pay, however, is reportedly higher for private screeners.

Airports which have opted for private screeners say that they have the ability to be more responsive to those passing through the airport, and also have greater flexibility in re-deploying assets, or letting people go if necessary. However AFGE, the federal government employees union, told the paper that using private screening companies would create a "patchwork quilt" of ineffective airport security.

FMI: www.tsa.gov