Minutes of Oct 24th Meeting:
We plan to have a repeat meeting and tour in the near future for those of you who could not attend this one. This is part of our effort to expand our NAAPRA initiatives to become more up to date on ever changing industry matters. Meeting Date & venue:
NAAPRA Oct 24, 2007
Bar Avion, Terminal 4, JFK
Speaker: Lara Uselding, TSA, Spokesperson and Public Affairs, Midwest /Eastern Region
773 573 8168 (cell) 877 632 7327 (24/7)
lara.uselding@dhs.gov www.tsa.gov
Attendees:
Joe Morris, Federal Security Director, TSA, JFK
Marisa Maola, Asst Federal Security Director, TSA JFK
Mohammed Siddiqui, Stakeholder, TSA JFK Terminal 4
Janice Holden, JFKIAT Jackie Pash, Swiss Robert Dale, Air Jamaica
Henk Guitjens JFKIAT Dan Murray, Swiss Damian Rose, Air Jamaica
Tania Philip, Geoffrey Weill Martin Riecken, Lufthansa Alan Proud, BA
Bill Huisman, ADC Bill Puckhaber, Airpor Press Ed Garcia, Airport Press
Lara is an excellent speaker and willing resource for issues facing DHS (Dept of Homeland Security) TSA (Transportation Security Administration), as they affect all airports, airlines and their passengers.
Most importantly, when asked what airlines can do, she strongly suggested a link on airlines' websites to the TSA website: www.tsa.gov. Lara made it clear that the TSA understands the need to educate and work with its stakeholders and is available to you and your airline anytime. She spoke specifically about new initiatives in technology (outlined below) following some general talking points:
The threats we face daily continue to grow in sophistication and complexity, and technology helps us stay ahead of those intent on harming our nation. Whether it's using sophisticated screening equipment or pushing the bounds of biometric identification, technology assists our security officers in separating friend from foe, increasing efficiency and vigilance and helping minimize the impact to travelers and businesses.
Our approach involves more than just screening of all carry-on and checked baggage. We use careful analysis of intelligence to determine where best to deploy our technology resources at airports, in subways, at ports and on rail. Uses of trace portal machines enable us to detect explosives on a person. Daily vetting of passengers and airport employees against watch lists let us protect the airports. And biometrics help us prevent unauthorized access at our nations' ports. That is only the beginning.
Leveraging new technology and the skills of our people is the cornerstone of our approach to transportation security.
Link that will follow up on our technology discussion: http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/index.shtm
The link to the TSA Web Site is www.tsa.gov. (a great resource for passengers if we can get this on airlines sites too!)
TSA TIPS FOR PASSENGERS:
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.
TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.
Lara Uselding / U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Transportation Security Administration / Midwest, New Jersey & New York Public Affairs Manager /
773-573-8168 / www.tsa.gov
