Welcome to FlyerTalk, jailer1.
That's a very good point. However, the job that the TSA is doing right now is unacceptable. Hopefully legislation will be introduced disbanding the TSA completely and turning aviation security over to private, competent firms who do not spend money insanely. Much as I would like to see the security fee that is extorted from me every time I fly dropped completely, I would be willing to extend it for use by private security firms only. At $10 per pax per trip, the private security firms will have no problem paying for themselves and we will be able to eliminate the financial and fascist albatross that currently hangs about the necks of the traveling public.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jailer1:
Hey folks, first time poster here. I just read how some folks think that in another two years TSA goes away and private security takes over again. This is partial possibility. Yes, there is a built in sunset clause that allows for private security companies to contract with the airlines for screening services. The issue is far deeper though. The ATSA requires that in the event of a re-privatization of screening services the contractor must maintain the same staffing, pay, benefits, and it will still be under TSA oversight. Tell me, and be truthful. What airline is willing to fork out 4.8 billion dollars annually for this operation? Additionally, if an airline chooses this route, who do you think will pay? Taxpayers fund this operation now, and we have many, many taxpayers. However, the entire working United States does not travel by air every day, so I believe there may be a problem with money there. It could make air travel unaffordable for the average person, or drive some air carriers who are on the bubble right into chapter 7. Personally, I don't see any air carrier stepping up to the plate for a piece of that action. The air carriers have it made. Screening services provided, and the liability is no longer on them. Pretty sweet deal. If it goes private, only the federal screeners will be replaced with private screeners. Federal supervisors, managers, directors, etc. will still be controlling the checkpoints and operations daily. Procedures will remain the same no matter who pays for the screeners. So my question to the board is this: What will the difference be with private screeners versus federal screeners? Same cost, same procedures and the same administration controlling operations. I fail to see any difference save one. Either the taxpayers foot the bill, or the traveling public picks up the tab. Thanks for your time reading my post and for any input you may provide.</font>
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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry