Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel

The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel is chaired by former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan and comprised of former government officials and private sector experts.

U.S. Travel established the Commission after an eye-opening analysis revealed the United States is lagging behind global competitors in the race to grow and modernize travel.

The Commission will release its policy recommendations and blueprint in February 2025, outlining steps to improve air travel and bolster U.S. global competitiveness over the next decade.

Recent Progress: 

• In August, the Commission convened in Washington, D.C. to tour Washington Dulles International Airport with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Systems Integration Facility near Reagan National Airport with TSA Administrator David Pekoske. Commission members held discussions with U.S. Travel’s Airport and Airlines Advisory Group as well as other key industry leaders, incorporating input and potential recommendations for consideration in their final report.
• During a visit to London in June, the Commission engaged with U.K. airports, airlines and U.S. government representatives on efforts to modernize travel. Commission members met with leaders at London Heathrow Airport and officials from Gatwick Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Virgin Atlantic, International Airlines Group and British Airways as well as senior personnel of the U.S. Embassy in London. Read more.
• Coinciding with IPW 2024 in May, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, alongside Senator Jerry Moran and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, conducted a field visit to LAX Airport to gain firsthand insights into CBP’s latest innovations and the international passenger experience. Read more.
• In April, the Commission, joined by leaders of TSA, Delta Air Lines and U.S. Travel, toured innovations, such as TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, CAT-2 screening technology and Delta’s curb-to-gate digital identity experience, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. During the visit, TSA Deputy Administrator Holly Canevari joined U.S. Travel EVP of Public Affairs and Policy, Tori Barnes for a conversation on TSA’s efforts to improve and modernize the travel experience. Listen to their conversation.
• Also in April, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel briefed Congress members and staff on enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. travel industry. Commission members highlighted key opportunities for Congress to improve U.S. global competitiveness, particularly in preparation for major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Read more.
• In February, Commission members joined TSA Administrator David Pekoske, TSA officials and U.S. Travel Association leaders for a demonstration of advanced security checkpoint technology at the Innovation Checkpoint at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas visit was an opportunity for TSA and DHS Science & Technology Directorate to showcase the cutting-edge innovations that bolster transportation security and revolutionize the travel experience. Learn more.

In the coming months, the commission will further engage federal agencies during additional field visits to learn more about best practices, pain points and opportunities to improve and grow travel.