AFA-CWA Flight Attendants Continue to Push for Screening Improvements with TSA

As a result of a Nov. 19 meeting with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator, John S. Pistole, AFA-CWA members saw immediate improvements to their airport screening process.

Just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday the TSA introduced new screening procedures and expanded the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) at the nation’s airports. Flight attendants, a trusted workforce who have had extensive Federal background checks, were suddenly subjected to the same onerous pat downs that should only be reserved for passengers who might pose a potential risk.

The TSA Administrator understood and agreed with AFA-CWA that flight attendants are security and safety professionals and would receive the same screening procedures as airline pilots.

Moving forward, the Administrator and AFA-CWA President-Elect Veda Shook have committed to strengthening their relationship and will maintain ongoing communications and cooperation as security stakeholders.

Since Nov. 19, AFA-CWA leaders and the TSA have held three discussions on the implementation of an expedited screening process for airline crewmembers.