That’s right, the paperless boarding pass pilot is at 34 airports now! It was brought to my attention after my blog post last week that 4 airports were not included in my list. Here is the complete up-to-date list:
Airports:
--Atlanta Hartsfield International (ATL) – Delta/Northwest
--Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) - Continental
--Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) - Continental
--Boston Logan International (BOS) – Continental
--Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) – Continental
--Chicago Midway (MDW) – Delta/Northwest
--Chicago O-Hare International (ORD) – Continental, American
--Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) – Delta/Northwest
--Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) - Continental
--Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) – Delta/Northwest
--Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) - Continental
--George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) - Continental
--Indianapolis International (IND) – Delta/Northwest
--John Wayne, Orange County, CA (SNA) – American, Delta/Northwest
--Las Vegas McCarren (LAS) – Continental, Delta/Northwest, American
--Los Angeles International (LAX) – Continental, American
--Memphis International (MEM) – Delta/Northwest
--Miami International Airport (MIA) - Continental
--Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) – Delta/Northwest
--New Orleans International (MSY) - Continental
--New York LaGuardia (LGA) – Continental, Delta/Northwest
--Newark International (EWR) - Continental
--Orlando International (MCO) – Continental, Delta/Northwest
--Philadelphia International (PHL) - Continental
--Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) – Continental
--Portland International (PDX) - Continental
--Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) - Continental
--Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) – Continental
--Salt Lake City International (SLC) – Delta/Northwest
--San Antonio International (SAT) - Continental
--San Diego International (SAN) - Continental
--San Francisco International (SFO) - Continental
--Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) - Alaska
--Tampa International (TPA) - ContinentalAirlines:
Airlines:
Alaska: SEA
American: LAS, LAX, ORD, SNA
Continental: AUS, BOS, BWI, CLE, CLT, DCA, EWR, FLL, IAH, LAS, LAX, LGA, MCO, MIA, MSY, ORD,PDX, PHL, PHX, RDU, SAN, SAT, SFO, TPA
Delta/Northwest: ATL, CVG, DTW, IND, LAS, LGA, MCO, MDW, MEM, MSP, SLC, SNA
Also, while I’ve got your attention, the question keeps coming up as to how people will travel if they don’t own a PDA or cell phone. No worries... There are still people who don’t own computers, so we’re well aware that many passengers do not an will not ever own a cell phone or PDA.
TSA is working with airlines to roll out bar codes and scanning capabilities to paper boarding passes as well. We have begun preliminary testing at SEA, ORD, LAX, and SNA. Also, it’s important to realize this is still in the pilot phase and while it is expanding, it’s only in 34 airports right now.
Thanks,
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
34 comments:
There are still people who don’t own computers, so we’re well aware that many passengers do not an will not ever own a cell phone or PDA.
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So where are all of the TSA rules a person must comply with printed for those people who do not have a computer?
How does TSA provide information to those peoples?
That's nice. Why do you refuse to post, on this blog and at the checkpoints where TSA is using its virtual strip-search machines, images of the same size and resolution as seen by the operator of the strip-search machine?
RB - Computers or reference desks are available for free use at many of the thousands of public libraries in the United States. That is just one of the many, many ways I could list that someone could research our policies and procedures if they don't own a computer.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
Anonymous said...That's nice. Why do you refuse to post, on this blog and at the checkpoints where TSA is using its virtual strip-search machines, images of the same size and resolution as seen by the operator of the strip-search machine? September 22, 2009 5:22 PM
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Anon, as I have mentioned before, all of the information you seek is located on this blog and the TSA.gov web page. As far as the signs, they are properly placed at our checkpoints.
I've made the offer before to fix any reported problems, and as of yet, nobody has come to me with a valid complaint. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I even think Trollkiller asked folks to e-mail him pictures of imagers with no signs. I haven't seen any photos over on his blog.
Thanks,
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
So passengers (or potential terrorists) still print (photoshop) their boarding passes on paper at home for these airports?
The layered security model only works if you have to go through each of the layers. If you can choose which layers to avoid, it isn't a "layered" security model, it is a chain with weak links.
Maybe by 9/11/2021 you'll make aviation completely secure and unusable.
Bob, please answer this question: Are the images posted on this blog and at the checkpoints where TSA is using its virtual strip-search machines of the same size and resolution as seen by the operator of the strip-search machine?
It's a yes or no question, Bob. And it's one you seem incapable of answering.
RB said...
"There are still people who don’t own computers, so we’re well aware that many passengers do not an will not ever own a cell phone or PDA.
................
So where are all of the TSA rules a person must comply with printed for those people who do not have a computer?
How does TSA provide information to those peoples?"
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RB, your just funny, sometimes.
However, part of the answer to your question - in addition to the answer Bob gave you - is that many people call TSA on the phone. Passengers call our airport all the time asking questions about TSA policy and what to expect.
So you have access through public computers and reference desk, and you can always call.
Anonymous said...
"Bob, please answer this question: Are the images posted on this blog and at the checkpoints where TSA is using its virtual strip-search machines of the same size and resolution as seen by the operator of the strip-search machine?
It's a yes or no question, Bob. And it's one you seem incapable of answering."
There is not a simple yes or no answer, as you suggest. The answer is both yes and no.
The images I have seen post on this blog are in some ways more detailed than those the TSO sees, and they can be manipulated in ways the images on the "strip-search-machine" can not.
Bob said...
RB - Computers or reference desks are available for free use at many of the thousands of public libraries in the United States. That is just one of the many, many ways I could list that someone could research our policies and procedures if they don't own a computer.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
September 22, 2009 10:06 PM
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Bob, are you claiming that every rule or regulation that a person may be subjected to at a TSA checkpoint is available in electronic format (only) on the TSA website?
What if a person is not computer literate? There are some that do not use computers for various valid reasons. How does TSA provide travel requirements to those people?
Anonymous said...
Bob, please answer this question: Are the images posted on this blog and at the checkpoints where TSA is using its virtual strip-search machines of the same size and resolution as seen by the operator of the strip-search machine?
It's a yes or no question, Bob. And it's one you seem incapable of answering.
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yes! =P
Bob, please answer this question: Are the images posted on this blog and at the checkpoints where TSA is using its virtual strip-search machines of the same size and resolution as seen by the operator of the strip-search machine?
It's a yes or no question, Bob. And it's one you seem incapable of answering.
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It's not a virtual strip-search machine, Anonymous. That's something you seem incapable of understanding.
Re signage on WBI, Blogger Bob wrote:
"As far as the signs, they are properly placed at our checkpoints."
You know that for a fact, Bob? You've been to every checkpoint that has one of these abhorrent machines and you've seen the signs with your own eyes?
Are the signs readable by persons with significant vision problems?
Blogger Bob wrote:
"Computers or reference desks are available for free use at many of the thousands of public libraries in the United States. That is just one of the many, many ways I could list that someone could research our policies and procedures if they don't own a computer."
Get real, Bob. You don't have a clue, do you, as to how a good portion of the population lives.
Most don't have any idea that this site or tsa.gov even exists or that there are even "rules" for what one can bring on a plane. The amount of confiscated materials at checkpoints is total proof of that.
Anonymous wrote:
"It's not a virtual strip-search machine...."
Then what do you call a machine that strips one of their clothing to allow the naked body to be seen?
Sandra Says:
Get real, Bob. You don't have a clue, do you, as to how a good portion of the population lives.
Most don't have any idea that this site or tsa.gov even exists or that there are even "rules" for what one can bring on a plane. The amount of confiscated materials at checkpoints is total proof of that.
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While most people probably don't know the TSA blogs, I would imagine that most people who are aware of the web and have used it DO know or could guess that TSA has a web site. I asked my Grandmother (turned 90 last May) who struggles with a computer but is trying. She still can't send an email, because it's beyond her level of comprehension. She manages to get to the New York Times web site every day, which satisfies her. Her response: She doesn't know how to get there, but that everything has a web site so of course.
As far as people knowing whether or not there are rules for what one can bring on a plane... please, you think most people don't know that there are things you can't bring on a plane? Every airport I've ever been do is pretty clear on that (no firearms, liquids in the plastic baggies and no more than X ounces).
To cover some of the more obscure rules, there's TSA.gov, and I believe they mentioned you can CALL THEM. I bet you can call your airline as well for much information, or at least an idea as to where to go next.
Really...
It's not a virtual strip-search machine, Anonymous. That's something you seem incapable of understanding.
September 23, 2009 6:36 PM
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I think your right Anon it is not a Virtual Strip Search.
It is plainly a Strip Search since the machine allows the operator to view the persons body as if they had no cloths on.
And TSA STRIP SEARCHES children.
Anonymous wrote:
"It's not a virtual strip-search machine...."
Then what do you call a machine that strips one of their clothing to allow the naked body to be seen?
I would call such a machine a virtual strip-search machine. Fortunately, thats not what the machines in question are or do.
Even Rep. Jason Chaffetz has questions about signage:
"He told the Deseret News the TSA has not lived up to promises to post signs about what the whole-body imaging machine does."
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705332053/Chaffetz-says-TSA-harassed-him-at-strip-search-machine.html
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705332053/Chaffetz-says-TSA-harassed-him-at-strip-search-machine.html
......................
When did it become TSA policy to laugh at a United States Congressman?
Why was this Congressman subjected to additional questioning when refusal to be STRIP SEARCHED was given?
What are the real TSA rules for refusing the TSA STRIP SEARCH?
If TSA treats a United States Congressman this poorly how can an average citizen expect to be treated?
Is this the professionalism that TSA talks about all the time?
Sandra said...
Even Rep. Jason Chaffetz has questions about signage:
"He told the Deseret News the TSA has not lived up to promises to post signs about what the whole-body imaging machine does."
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705332053/Chaffetz-says-TSA-harassed-him-at-strip-search-machine.html
September 24, 2009 9:53 AM
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First off that guys is a politician, and one thing I have learned since working for TSA is that politicians ALWAYS believe they are above the screening process. Secondly, TSA employees harassing a congressmen on purpose? Those employees must not like their job very much if they were really doing that on purpose. He probably just threw a fit at the checkpoint about being screened like everyone else then made up a story to cover his political rear end. Trust me, its happened even here in Alaska. Those signs are their and the rules are written in stone, you can ALWAYS opt out of the body scanner for other forms of screening.
Bob, are all comments regarding United States Congressman Chafftez being rejected even though the comments do not challenge the stated posting standards?
Why is TSA limiting political speech?
The Supreme Court has clearly ruled that political speech is protected.
Why are you and TSA acting in a manner that is a violation of law?
The Congressman was subjected to additional screening because he did not want to go through the WBI machine. That is standard procedure and has been posted on this blog (as well as many other places) many times over. If you do not want to be screened by the WBI you must undergo a metal detection screening and a pat down. After being cleared, he asked to speak to a supervisor and was told he was already speaking to one (it is pretty common that a supervisor steps in to perform screening when someone is complaining about the screening process). The Congressman wanted to speak to another supervisor. After he got impatient while waiting for another supervisor to speak with him, he decided to leave his card instead. The supervisor he had already spoken to did not want to take it because he already knew that he was a Congressman.
According to the story TSA followed procedures and Congressman Chaffetz was impatient and did not like being screened. It is not TSA policy to laugh at anyone, but, I would not be surprised if the officer in question did laugh about the childish temper tantrum the Congressman was throwing. Screening is a reality if you want to get onto a commercial aircraft. It doesn’t matter if you are a nobody off the streets or an elected official, if you want to get on a plane you will be screened.
Weekly at my airport we screen at least one congressman or senator. They never complain about being screened, even when they are randomly chosen for additional screening. The elected officials that travel through my airport know that TSA is here to keep them safe. If they wish to vote yes on Congressman Chaffetz’s legislation then more power to them, they certainly won’t be harassed for doing their job and TSA does not expect to be harassed for doing ours.
Off topic item.
In light of the recent FBI event, I've read a lot of comments here regarding the unfeasability of liquid explosive.
Not trying to be a troll, but can those folks support their arguments at this point?
TSO Jacob writes:
The Congressman was subjected to additional screening because he did not want to go through the WBI machine.
In the Deseret News article cited above, Mr. Chafftez says that he was told that he was "randomly" selected for a secondary screening.
There's an inconsistency here ... which could be an innocent misunderstanding, or a retaliatory action. Regrettably, I'm guessing we'll never know which it was.
Anonymous said...
Off topic item.
In light of the recent FBI event, I've read a lot of comments here regarding the unfeasability of liquid explosive.
Not trying to be a troll, but can those folks support their arguments at this point?
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No Anon, they can’t. The best they can to is demand evidence from others, and when its provided they claim it’s not peer reviewed or that it does not meet their requirements or standards. Fact is that liquid explosives pose a significant threat to commercial aviation and to our nations citizens.
The New York / Denver plot only exemplify that threat, but they wont be able to bring themselves to admit it.
Anyone who has read this blog or researched in any of many other ways is aware that you either go through the WBI or you go thru metal detection and a pat-down procedure. The Congressman has written legislation regarding the WBI which means he is fully aware of the procedure. The TSO may (or may not) have used the word “randomly” but everyone involved knows this was the standard procedure. There is no inconsistency; this is the standard operating procedure.
TSO Jacob said...
Anyone who has read this blog or researched in any of many other ways is aware that you either go through the WBI or you go thru metal detection and a pat-down procedure. The Congressman has written legislation regarding the WBI which means he is fully aware of the procedure. The TSO may (or may not) have used the word “randomly” but everyone involved knows this was the standard procedure. There is no inconsistency; this is the standard operating procedure.
September 25, 2009 10:30 AM
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Why doesn't TSA clearly inform people of the option to not submit to a STRIP SEARCH?
Why are people questioned if they choose not to be STRIP SEARCHED?
Why does TSA screen those who refuse to be STRIP SEARCHED differently than they do people at checkpoints that only have the WTMD?
Why has TSA refused to post images from the STRIP SEARCH machine that are the same as what the operators sees, in both size and detail?
Why did Nico state that the images from STRIP SEARCH machines are tame enough for young children to view yet would not prove his claim?
Why won't TSA step up and try being truthful for once?
TSO Jacob writes:
The TSO may (or may not) have used the word “randomly” but everyone involved knows this was the standard procedure. There is no inconsistency; this is the standard operating procedure.
Apparently, not everyone knows that this is the standard procedure, since the TSO in question (allegedly) said that the screening was "random", not "required".
RB asked a bunch of questions, here are the answers.
TSA does inform people about the options of the WBI. On tsa.gov it states “Use of whole body imaging technology is always 100 percent optional to all passengers… These technologies are optional for all passengers…Passengers who do not wish to utilize this screening will use the walk-through metal detector and undergo a pat-down procedure to ensure they receive an equal level of screening.” This information has also been posted on this blog, is available on signs at the airport and has been stated on news programs covering the new technology.
Some people might be questioned about not wanting to undergo WBI screening in order to find out why they feel uncomfortable. If 98 percent of the population does not object to the process then uncovering how to make the last 2 percent feel comfortable is important.
The different procedures are based on the attempt to circumvent different technologies. The WBI is designed to find more dangerous objects than the regular WTMD. If a bad guy wants to bring something through that a WTMD can’t find he/she is going to try to stay away from the technology that will find it. In order to counter this TSA established different procedures.
TSA has posted, on several occasions, pictures of what the WBI images look like. Since you are not an operator of the machine what makes you think TSA has not posted exactly what the operator sees? Your hatred of TSA is blinding you on this issue.
The images of the WBI are available for public viewing (which includes kids) all across the nation. There is no more proof required.
TSA has answered your (and many others) questions. The problem is that you (and many others) don’t like the answers. TSA is not lying just because you don’t like what they are saying.
Bob said...
Anonymous said...That's nice. Why do you refuse to post, on this blog and at the checkpoints where TSA is using its virtual strip-search machines, images of the same size and resolution as seen by the operator of the strip-search machine? September 22, 2009 5:22 PM
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Anon, as I have mentioned before, all of the information you seek is located on this blog and the TSA.gov web page. As far as the signs, they are properly placed at our checkpoints.
I've made the offer before to fix any reported problems, and as of yet, nobody has come to me with a valid complaint. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I even think Trollkiller asked folks to e-mail him pictures of imagers with no signs. I haven't seen any photos over on his blog.
Thanks,
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
September 22, 2009 10:11 PM
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Chaffetz said he was mainly concerned about the lack of signs that indicated the full-body imaging was optional; something he said TSA officials had promised they would post.
Chaffetz is sponsoring legislation to prohibit use of the full-body imaging as a primary security screening option. The bill already has passed the House.
The incident that occurred Monday is under review by the TSA, which has declined to comment on it. A video of the encounter was sent to Washington as part of the examination.
Chaffetz said he is eager to have the video released, but TSA officials he has spoken with say they have security concerns about releasing the tape.
"Believe me, there's nobody who wants those tapes released more than me," Chaffetz said.
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Bob, Congressman Chaffetz is saying the signs are not adequate. That they do not properly inform that the STRIP SEARCH MACHINE is optional.
So here's your chance to fix it!
Please report back when you get it done!
"TSA has posted, on several occasions, pictures of what the WBI images look like. Since you are not an operator of the machine what makes you think TSA has not posted exactly what the operator sees?"
The fact that Bob refuses to answer yes or no questions about whether the images he's posted are of the same size and resolution seen by the operator of the strip-search machine strongly indicates that such images have not been posted on this blog or in airports.
Similarly, Bob refuses to say whether every citizen asked to undergo a virtual strip-search is informed that he or she can refuse to be strip-searched. Bob and TSA have demonstrated a consistent pattern of evasion and dishonesty about these machines -- yet another reason to distrust the TSA.
In my airport all passengers must walk by at least 4 different signs that describe the liquids policy. 3 of the signs stand 3 foot high, the fourth is 8x11 sized and sits on top of one of the poles in the checkpoint line. Yet everyday passengers tell me they have never heard of the LGA rule. When I ask them if they saw all the signs they always tell me the same thing, “what signs.” Just because you claim there are no signs does not mean they are not there.
"In my airport all passengers must walk by at least 4 different signs that describe the liquids policy."
These would be the signs that deliberately present inaccurate information, yes?
It's sad to see how quickly these comments diverge from the topic of the original post. Maybe I'm too much of a nut for tech and especially green tech, but I'm really excited about the paperless boarding pass program. I've lost plenty of important slips of paper in my life, but never lost my cell phone!
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