New DHS Chief Calls For 'Side-By-Side Comparison' Of Threats, Tactics

While the Obama administration has been no friend of general aviation so far, it may be about to make airline travelers happier. The Wall Street Journal reports reforms to TSA airport screening may be on the way.

During her first day on the job, new Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued an order calling for, "a side-by-side comparison of the threat environment, resources and personnel devoted to each transportation sector." She has yet to pick a replacement for Kip Hawley as head of the TSA.

Private security experts are urging the administration to reduce the federal air marshal program to free up money for more effective measures, improve the Registered Traveler program using a biometric database, vary the routine to keep terrorists off-guard, and streamline measures which currently impose too much burden for their benefit.

"The more mysterious you make it, and the more difficult you make it to do surveillance on your system, the better off you are," said Billie H. Vincent, former security director at the FAA.

But Bruce Schneier, an author of several books on security, said it may be politically difficult to reduce passenger airport hassles too much. Commenting on what has become widely known as "security theater," he says "The public expects a major show at airport security checkpoints, even if it can be circumvented by terrorists."

Indeed, the greatest perceived threats to travel security today aren't the kind of terrorist attacks seen on 9/11... but rather luggage bombs, and attacks at airports. Shoulder-fired missiles may also pose a threat to airliners operating close to the ground, such as during takeoff or on landing.

Robert Poole of the Reason Foundation agrees, saying much of what the public sees at the airport, and onboard commercial planes, is largely the image of security.

"How come the background check is sufficient for airport workers and vendors but not good enough for people like me?" he asks, adding "The odds of marshals matching up with an actual attack are small, so it's small bang for the buck."

FMI: www.tsa.gov