How would you read it? There are secured areas, AOA, SIDA and sterile areas listed in 49 C.F.R. §1540.105(a)(2). As passengers, we only enter sterile areas. The definition of sterile area sets forth the specifics for those systems, measures and procedures for controlling access, which is the screening of persons and property. How is that screening accomplished – through the screening function, which is defined as “inspection of individuals and property for weapons, explosives, and incendiaries.” No id requirements or questioning is listed.

A basic rule of construction is that CFR’s are to be interpreted in the strictest sense especially when the regulation involves restrictions on individuals and their actions. The agency that promulgates the regulation also is the drafter. As such, if the agency wanted to make the rule broader, it should have drafted it as such.


What you stated would be correct as the denial of a boarding pass would happen and would necessitate at a minimum a face to face with an airline employee. But this is not part of what happens at the TDC, nor part of what is occurring with questioning.