Streamlined Security Plan Begins for Some
Jul 8, 2004 | 12:12 pm
#1
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Streamlined Security Plan Begins for Some
MINNEAPOLIS - Select airline passengers breezed through security Wednesday at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in the start of an experiment to ease delays and make flying a little more agreeable.
(snip)
By midmorning, about 50 Northwest Airlines passengers used the special express lane that the Transportation Security Administration hopes will reduce wait times for frequent fliers while allowing screeners to focus their attention elsewhere.
"If we can ease the congestion at the busy checkpoints just a little bit, that's a good reason to have the registered traveler program," said Carol DiBattiste, chief of staff for the TSA.
Over the past two weeks, about 2,400 frequent business travelers have signed up, providing scans of irises and fingerprints and extensive personal information. That information was cross-checked against several criminal and terror-related databases.
(snip)
By midmorning, about 50 Northwest Airlines passengers used the special express lane that the Transportation Security Administration hopes will reduce wait times for frequent fliers while allowing screeners to focus their attention elsewhere.
"If we can ease the congestion at the busy checkpoints just a little bit, that's a good reason to have the registered traveler program," said Carol DiBattiste, chief of staff for the TSA.
Over the past two weeks, about 2,400 frequent business travelers have signed up, providing scans of irises and fingerprints and extensive personal information. That information was cross-checked against several criminal and terror-related databases.
The "background check" is basically what's required for a SECRET clearance. Do a search and you can read just how backlogged security clearance investigations are in this country. I had a former employee who is still waiting for her clearance one year after she submitted the paperwork.
Obviously, the frequent traveler program is more important than national security to the TSA and this Administration.
Frequent Traveler Program at MSP
Jul 8, 2004 | 1:01 pm
#2
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When I can pass through the checkpoint in the same manner as a law enforcement officer and can carry a firearm past the checkpoint, then I'll submit to a background check. Until then, NO THANKS!
Jul 8, 2004 | 1:47 pm
#3
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That information was cross-checked against several criminal and terror-related databases.
As for the sheeple who have joined up, I suggest they need a six-month "tour" of North Korea or the PRC or Belarus.
And do they think the lines for them will remain short if more travelers sign up for this asnine and useless (except for data-harvesters) program?
Jul 8, 2004 | 5:57 pm
#4
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In only 2500 applicants they found reasons to reject people?! If they've got a greater than 1 in 2500 false positive rate then they're going to have major problems in a real rollout of the program. I wonder if those who got rejected are now automatic SSSS for the rest of their lives.
I'm still confused as to what the benefit is for these travelers. The article said the wait was only five minutes for those without the registered traveler status. Do these people think that they have gained status by joining this program? Ego, my friends, it's all about ego.
I wish someone who signed up for it would post his reasons...
I'm still confused as to what the benefit is for these travelers. The article said the wait was only five minutes for those without the registered traveler status. Do these people think that they have gained status by joining this program? Ego, my friends, it's all about ego.
I wish someone who signed up for it would post his reasons...
Jul 8, 2004 | 8:18 pm
#5
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Originally Posted by GradGirl
I wish someone who signed up for it would post his reasons...
Jul 8, 2004 | 8:57 pm
#6
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The data the TSA is using and the ancillary information linked to the requested field data does not account for unreported/underreported identity theft and the risk that poses. Furthermore, background checks by various government agencies don't amount to much of substance most of the time; lots of miscreants go about for years without attracting attention. Not only is this a waste of time, money and resources, it's also not effective (amongst other flaws).
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Jul 9, 2004 | 7:31 am
#7
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Anyone who would sign up for this filthy government program should have their citizenship stripped. 
The only thing I can think of that would be more disgusting is a mandatory registration. If enough un-American blowhards sign up for the voluntary version, the TSA and their hangers-on (you know, stupid people who never fly, which is, sadly, a large number) will say "Well, this is such a popular program, let's make all passengers go through a background check. People who refuse will be banned from flying."
Cell phone number? Home e-mail address? What the F are you people doing giving away this information, and to the government of all places?
The only thing I can think of that would be more disgusting is a mandatory registration. If enough un-American blowhards sign up for the voluntary version, the TSA and their hangers-on (you know, stupid people who never fly, which is, sadly, a large number) will say "Well, this is such a popular program, let's make all passengers go through a background check. People who refuse will be banned from flying."
Cell phone number? Home e-mail address? What the F are you people doing giving away this information, and to the government of all places?
Jul 9, 2004 | 7:47 am
#8
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... couldn't have said it better myself. I really think it's an ego thing.
What's missing from the list is one's SSN. (I suspect this is the case because a private company & not the government was asking for the voluntary disclosure of personal information.) On all REAL security clearance applications (Form SF-86), you're identified by your SSN. Given everything else on the list, I'm sure it's probably easy for the TSA to derive your SSN & that not directly asking for it was a clever way around the Privacy Act.
I suspect that a good portion of the 2400 sheelpe are the people you see running around airports wearing their ID's around their necks.
You're right -- pretty soon this will become "mandatory." Also, don't forget that the TSA left open the option of charging people for this "privilege."
What's missing from the list is one's SSN. (I suspect this is the case because a private company & not the government was asking for the voluntary disclosure of personal information.) On all REAL security clearance applications (Form SF-86), you're identified by your SSN. Given everything else on the list, I'm sure it's probably easy for the TSA to derive your SSN & that not directly asking for it was a clever way around the Privacy Act.
I suspect that a good portion of the 2400 sheelpe are the people you see running around airports wearing their ID's around their necks.
You're right -- pretty soon this will become "mandatory." Also, don't forget that the TSA left open the option of charging people for this "privilege."