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TSA Airport Screenings Now Start Before You Arrive At the Airport

Posted by timothy on from the we-call-this-the-might-fly-list dept.

Bob the Super Hamste writes "The New York Times is reporting that the TSA is now doing background investigations on passengers before they arrive at the airport. The publicly stated reason for this is that it is to streamline the security procedures at airports allowing more passengers to receive less scrutiny while at the air port but this new authority allows the TSA additional information about each traveler. The prescreening that is being performed for domestic travel now uses a simiar standard to that of foreign individuals who where entering the US. The new measures go beyond what is used in the Secure Flight program and while light on details mentions that the passengers passport number will be used. The article does however point out the data sources that are available to the TSA to conduct these pre-screening with such as tax identification number, past travel itineraries, property records, physical characteristics, and law enforcement or intelligence information. Also mentioned is that individuals who do not have a passport will not be subjected to the rules and from my reading will not be eligible for lesser screening at that airport. The stated goal of this program is to have 25% of all airline passengers in the US receive lighter screening at the airport so that they don't have to take their shoes off, remove jackets, or remove laptops from bags. Additionally passengers who are in higher risk categories can receive additional screenings. Also mentioned is that all passengers are currently prescreened and that airlines are required to share your passport data with the TSA if they have it." One thing I've noticed as a passenger is that the most dangerous-feeling aspect of flying right now seems to be the winding security line itself.

9 of 437 comments (clear)

  1. Sounds ominous, but... by n1ywb · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I practically died with joy the first time I got to use a pre-check lane. Kept my coat, shoes, and belt on, didn't take shit out of my bags. It almost justified the 8 hours it took me to get a global entry card (drive to boston, wait, talk to beurocrats about how I'm not a threat, drive back to vermont).

    --
    -73, de n1ywb
    www.n1ywb.com
    1. Re:Sounds ominous, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      You know what will destroy the domestic airline industry? Self driving cars. Oh there will still be some for those who do not want to 'wait in a car'. But you can make coast to coast in under 48 hours. Better if we could go faster and drive safely (which auto driving cars will allow). I suspect it will also eviscerate the hotel industry (or at least radically change them into a parking garage/lot sort of arrangement). As to make a 48 hour trip you will need somewhere to sleep (and not a car seat). So when you get where ever you will stay in your car.

      For international it will be business as usual.

      They better get their act together.

    2. Re:Sounds ominous, but... by boristdog · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Back in the late 80's I took an entire week-long prepaid vacation (4 flights, 2 hotels & rental car) to Hawaii under someone else's name. It was my sister's boyfriend and he backed out of the trip at the last minute because of work. Sis called me up Thursday and said "You want a free trip with me to Hawaii tomorrow?" Hell yes, even if it was with my big sister.

      The funny part is her boyfriend at the time had a very difficult, very long, very Polish name that I never did learn to spell right. And inevitably every desk clerk would ask how to spell it. I kept a card in my pocket with the name in big, bold letters that I would show them. But I boarded every plane and got every hotel & car reservation without showing even one form of ID.

  2. Coming to a Soviet state near you by fustakrakich · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Soon passports will be required for domestic travel...

    --
    “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
  3. Why i will never return to the USA.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Outside view on US customs. This is an article from a Dutch writer who was treated quite shabbily at the US borders:
    http://dasmag.nl/why-i-will-never-return-to-the-usa/

  4. Complete BULLSHIT by g0bshiTe · · Score: 1, Interesting

    So while they spin this as "you'll get through screening quicker" what they really want is background checks on nearly everyone that travels by plane.

    Fucking seriously let's save all that tax money and the tax money being wasted now, and just racially profile. What's the fucking problem?

    On the other side of that, I have not flown commercially since before 9/11 and don't plan on it anytime soon.

    --
    I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
  5. How Many Votes Would I Get? by Greyfox · · Score: 5, Interesting

    "If elected I promise to introduce legislation to disband the TSA, NSA and DEA. If it fails I will introduce it again. I will introduce it and introduce it until it passes or my term ends."

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

  6. THE LINKED ARTICLE... by Jeremiah+Cornelius · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Has the most depressing, "Good German" comments section I have read by sheeple in a long time...

    --
    "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
    Never been known to fail..."
  7. This is Outrageous by Froggels · · Score: 3, Interesting

    It used to be that every time news like this came out I would think that things couldn't get much worse, but recently I have come to the conclusion that things can and will continue to get a lot worse. I now wonder just how much worse will it get? What's going to be next and when will the madness stop?