Discuss Screening Procedures And Trusted Traveler Program

Representatives of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) met with TSA Administrator John Pistole just before the holidays to discuss NBTA’s position on topics related to safety and security procedures.

“We had a constructive, wide ranging and positive dialogue with Administrator Pistole during which we were able to discuss the critical role of a smoothly functioning and secure business travel system for the overall economy,” said Mike McCormick, Executive Director and COO, National Business Travel Association. “NBTA will continue to focus on how best to work with the TSA to ensure safety while making the security process as efficient as possible for business travelers.”

NBTA recognizes that security is the single most important role of the TSA. It reiterated its support for the security measures the TSA has introduced over the last several weeks. However, as members of the NBTA community have reported discrepancies in deployment of TSA security measures at airports across the country, NBTA reiterated that TSA must maintain open lines of communications so that the traveling public can report on inconsistencies in security implementations.

NBTA has also been a longtime supporter of the Trusted Traveler program that allows business travelers and other high frequency travelers to pass through airport security more quickly and efficiently after passing a rigorous background check. In a recent survey, 71% of NBTA members expressed interest in creating a system where a traveler would be willing to pay for and undergo a one-time in-depth security check. NBTA expressed willingness to work with TSA to develop a program that benefits enrollees, but meet the security concerns TSA.

TSA Administrator John Pistole

Recognizing the importance of a well-informed traveling public, NBTA also expressed willingness to continue to proactively distribute information from the TSA to the traveling public, as NBTA did prior to the Thanksgiving travel rush.

Mr. McCormick concluded, “NBTA has the utmost respect for Administrator Pistole and the TSA, and yesterday’s meeting only reinforced that view. I was impressed with the administrator’s concern for the business traveler and desire to work with NBTA. We plan to continue our dialogue with TSA over the months to come so we can work together to ensure the proper systems are in place to enhance security while minimizing challenges for the business traveler.”

FMI: www.tsa.gov, www.nbta.org