Unlike other reports on this topic that examine the issue from a single vantage point (such as privacy, airline profitability, or government spending), the recommendations below represent a unique merger of non-partisan views of all essential stakeholders in aviation security. Based on the advice of the panel experts and the views of thousands of travelers, the U.S. Travel Association makes the following recommendations:

GOAL NUMBER ONE

IMPROVE THE TSA CHECKPOINT BY INCREASING EFFICIENCY, DECREASING PASSENGER WAIT TIMES AND SCREENING PASSENGERS BASED ON RISK

• Implement a risk-based Trusted Traveler program. Congress should authorize TSA to implement a new, voluntary, government-run Trusted Traveler program that utilizes a risk-based approach to checkpoint screening, with the goal of refocusing resources on the highest risk passengers;

• Give TSA authority over entire checkpoint area. Congress should immediately act to clear up confusion over “ownership” of commercial aviation security and authorize TSA to control the entire security checkpoint starting at the beginning of the security lines and ending after a traveler exits the screening area;

• Improve preparation of travelers. Industry stakeholders should work with TSA to improve their education and communication on security rules and regulations, targeting locations and sources that travelers are likely to review as they book or prepare for a trip;

• Encourage fewer carry-on bags. The Department of Transportation (DOT) should issue regulations requiring airlines to allow passengers one checked bag as part of their base airfare and standardize existing rules covering the quantity and size of items that can be carried onto an airplane.

GOAL NUMBER TWO

IMPROVE GOVERNMENTAL EFFICIENCY AND COOPERATION IN THE EXECUTION OF ITS SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reinstitute the Aviation Security Advisory Committee. DHS should immediately reinstate and appoint the Aviation Security Advisory Committee to provide effective private sector input to DHS on aviation security within 180 days. DHS should also convene airport-specific working groups to identify and resolve problems affecting travelers at particular locations;

• Facilitate non-partisan leadership of TSA. The TSA Administrator should be converted to a five-year position extending across presidential administrations to be filled by a non-partisan official with expertise in both security and facilitation;

• Develop a comprehensive technology procurement strategy. TSA, in collaboration with technology vendors and the travel community, should develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing necessary checkpoint technology capabilities. Congress should provide multi-year funding plans for TSA to execute this strategy;

• Encourage wider use of secure identification documents. Federal and state governments should embrace programs that build and deploy secure identification documents in order to provide higher-quality identity documents to the traveling public that meet government security requirements;

• Reduce duplicative TSA screening for international arrivals. DHS should enable certain low-risk passengers who are traveling to another domestic airport to forego checked baggage and passenger screening upon landing in the U.S.;

• Expand trusted traveler programs to qualified international passengers. DHS should expand access to international trusted traveler programs for international passengers entering the U.S., as well as lead efforts to establish a multinational network of streamlined entry procedures for low-risk travelers;

• Eliminate duplication between TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). DHS should streamline its operations at U.S. international airports to reduce unnecessary duplication and leverages CBP and TSA resources, authorities, and capabilities;

• Push for international cooperation with U.S. security standards. The federal government must continue to push for international cooperation in the development of international aviation security, including both bilateral and multilateral approaches, as well as with organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to strengthen aviation security efforts while promoting travel and protecting travelers’ rights.

GOAL NUMBER THREE

RESTRUCTURE OUR NATIONAL APPROACH TO AVIATION SECURITY BY DEVELOPING AND UTILIZING REAL RISK MANAGEMENT METHODS AND TOOLS

• Implement well-defined risk management processes. The Administration should convene an external panel of experts with appropriate security clearances to review TSA aviation security programs, assess the risk each is designed to mitigate and develop metrics for measuring progress to lessen that risk.