The Airlines and the TSA needs to punish the people that commit the crimes, and not just put out a blanket change that punishes the 99.9% of the pilots and flight attendants that follow the rules. The primary mission of TSA is to reduce security vulnerabilities and to strengthen resilience against terrorist attacks in the Nation's transportation systems, including aviation, mass transit, rail, highway, and pipeline, to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Now, when TSA asks, I just say Im not playing Your Game of going thru two lines, this is all eyewash anyway. I've come up with a plan though for my KCM screening, up 75%I now wear flip flops and a Jethro Bodine belt to then get sent to random screening! The TSA screening is NOT there to catch drug smugglers. Battery-powered electronic smoking devices, such as "e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems," can be brought as carry-on items only. The SF system randomly selects individuals to undergo selectee screening and will identify the printed boarding pass or seat request card with a SSSS. The flight cannot leave or even be boarded without a full compliment of FAA mandated cabin crew. They may be carried by passengers or crew members and are for personal use only. On January 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued an order, requiring operators to collect, store and verify documentation on the current COVID-19 status of inbound international air passengers traveling to the United States. Money and Other Monetary Instruments The statistics dont lie. I'm a crew member and lately the random checks have increased to the point of ridiculous. It's not one bit different. H\Ak0:bf0mBmM85ld8.!gv?d}R{>Eee Also a lot of airports, like Ohare, dont require ground crew to go through security check points. endstream endobj 66 0 obj <>stream They are dropped off @ the secure side of the terminal. 0000060864 00000 n There have been off duty flight attendant crew members busted on drugs recently, but by the Customs and Border Patrol, not the TSA. The TSA Special Screening Procedures (SSP) for KCM do not allow crewmembers to use a temporary government issued photo ID for access into the airport sterile area through a KCM access point. Which is handing out band-aids and pressing buttons on an AED.after the machine TELLS you to. But of course, they would have to pay them more. If a pilots wanted to do something bad they could, weve seen it with Malaysian airlines pilots taking that flight down. Thank you to the wonderful TSA for wasting everyones time and making the lives of hard working crew members harder while decreasing safety at the same time. Thats a great idea especially as we strip off all our jewelry, belts, shoes, food, drinks, and 6-pk for overnight! Let the security ppl stick to what they gotta do and you pilots can stick to being glorified bus drivers and you flight attendants can stick to being mobile vending machines. Its not just flight attendants. However, off-duty crews should ALWAYS have to proceed thru the TSA security checkpoints like regular passengers. As for their excuse as to why theyre increasing random security checks, its kind of a dumb argument. Your password can't be a commonly used password. ORD uses outdated screening methods that are so medieval, I am guessing someone up top is pocketing government funding in lieu of updating their screening methods at this locale. How classist of you to assume that they wouldnt also try smuggling drugs, if not for the money then simply for the power and because they can. What an absolute joke that anyone thinks there is any benefit at all to safety to screen pilots at TSA checkpoints. Try it and cry later.. Im curious to learn all the details of what this will look like. Crewmembers will be met by a TSA Security Officer (TSO) who will ask for a KCM barcode card and the appropriate identification requirements (see above). I'll bet you even flash your "first responder" wings at cops on traffic stops too. But I guess let's just ignore those statistics and realities because you're offended by it. 0000001822 00000 n 4.1.1. 0000057216 00000 n TSOs are directed toadvisecrewmembers utilizing the KCM access points of the following procedures that arenotallowed. In commercial aviation, the aircrew are called flight crew. MNM8[@w1\J2t_ig VIgM]0%b"fM Let the security ppl stick to what they gotta do and you pilots can Are you mad that they aren't letting people smuggle drugs thru security? Who is to say they can't hand off drugs or weapons. We do get front of the line access. 2023 KNOWN CREWMEMBER. Its ridiculous they were added to the program. Have anyone seen how TSA Employees (as well as LEOs )gain access to the secured sterile areas of any of our nation's airports around the country? Airline pilot here. Career term differences may be different in your eyes, but its all in the eye of the beholder & YOU dont determine VALUE or WORTH! Known Crewmember is a risk-based screening system that enables TSA security officers to positively verify the identity and employment status of flight crewmembers. Its fine. TSAL may provide the same; subject to advance arrangement made known at least 48 hours before departure. The ship began its fateful voyage on November 7, 1872, sailing with seven crewmen and Capt. The government-approved Known Crewmember (KCM) program allows Flight Attendants and Pilots at many airlines to enjoy the convenience of an expedited security screening. The CDC issued a no-sail order in U.S. waters on March 14 one day after the industry. Know what you can pack before arriving at the airport by checking the prohibited items list. The perpetrator will gain access without a doubt because they're never checked as they walk in. It's the easiest post. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned. Life rafts are located on Deck 7 . At the end of a flight cabin crew members are there to make sure that passengers disembark the aircraft safely. CBP is a little different here but TSA is definitely a lot of entry level type people just looking at a x ray machine doing what they were trained, like robots. I'm tired of regularly going to KCM and being told that I got random. drills. Not claiming the new policy will affect my trips, only that TSA has major staffing issues at certain airports. Security is fine as long as they make it quick for working crew membersthere isn't a pilot or flight attendant anywhere in the world who would be willing to wake-up 3 to 4 hours early on their already too short layovers. The TSAs job is not to look for drugs or identify other illegal activity. I get paid by the hour, not per passenger. Crewmembers also may be directed to passenger-screening lanes whenever the KCM access point is not operational. No more shoes or belts to remove. But if they find drugs they have to alert authorities. Im not very worried about KCM going bye bye. We will just have more delayed flights. So TSA will have to expand 5% to maintain current levels of delays and missed flights. A:Authorized crewmembers traveling with a printed boarding pass or seat request card are subject to the TSA Secure Flight (SF) vetting system the same as passengers. The people being caught with contraband are both flight attendants and pilots. Crewmembers who do not have a KCM barcode card, have a worn/unreadable barcode card, or have not completed the registration process will be referred to the passenger screening checkpoint for entry into the airport sterile area If a crewmember does not present an active KCM barcode card and is referred for screening, they must follow the TSOs instructions and complete the screening process at the passenger screening checkpoint. A pilot with bad intentions could more easily overpower his crewmate with a weapon. We have to submit to a background check to even have KCM.. its a shame a few bad incidents have to ruin this privilege,so tired of the public thinking we are provided with so many nice benefits we arent. Shoot we regularly have people with guns on the aircraft, air marshals, Leos and ffdos and if one of them snapped one day they could certainly do harm. Nevertheless, we know it takes man power and probably effects their bottom-line, to manage the check point. In most instances, the TSA will send the crewmember a Letter of Investigation (LOI) explaining the incident that occurred, identifying the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) which the TSA believes was violated, and requesting a written response. I hate skipping customers in line at general, CLEAR or precheck. How is that a thing??? <]>> Common sense solutions to common sense problems. Additionally, authorized crewmembers must not be on a leave of absence greater than 30 days, including furloughs and military duty. Get ready for crew members to be cutting in front of you everywhere ! A crewmember will be issued a KCM barcode card from their participating airline management staff. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. INSANE makes NO sense to me No problem. Such conduct can jeopardize crewmembers of their right to participate in the program and consequently jeopardizes the entire Known Crew Member (KCM) program. In your feeble mind, do you really think the TSA guy sitting there makes the rules? Interesting viewpoint, except for those people who never have to pass through security could easily pass said product off to said pilot, attendant, or anyone with access to the plane storage cargo. This enhancement will include retention of the crewmember selection for USP for a period of time at all KCM access points in that airport. I'll be signed in and ready for work whenever. The outdated machines are looking for glycerine - a primary agent in bombs of the past. Instead it should focus on how TSA has become more relaxed and lazy at doing their jobs and are short staffed and dont have officers to man the KCM station so everytime someone gets randomed they are throwing a pissy fit about having to walk over. Most crew have known for YEARS NOW that the TSA has done a piss-poor job of screening. If they increased the requirements - say you have to have a 2 year degree -- an EMT license, etc. Im so tired of the majority of us being punished because of the few idiots that break the rules or commit crimes. No other individuals are allowed access in the KCM program. NOTE: If the selected crewmember exits the sterile area and attempts to reenter through a KCM access point during this time period, they will continue to be identified for USP. Such conduct can jeopardize crewmembers of their right to participate in the program and consequently jeopardizes the entire Known Crew Member (KCM) program. Stay mad, enjoy going through the security checkpoint. It is to ensure safety on public transportation, thats it. There won't be any after its gone. We launched Prohibited Items Week for the first time last year as a way to highlight the great work of our officers in airports across the country. As it is, the random screenings have increased exponentially - to the point where crew members are tempted to go through the pre check line anyway to avoid an extra step of waiting for someone to tell you to go there. I dont understand this statement about treating flight attendants differently than pilots because we all go through very stringent background checks and process. startxref On August 30, 2019, TSA announced new crewmember identification requirements. They are using crew screening issues to say, "Hey - we're doing a great job!" In May 2007, the TSA approved the first version of an alternate screening method called the Crew Personnel Advanced Screening System (CrewPASS). An aircraft can board without a pilotbut not without the minimum crew of flight attendants.. and considering how long our duty days are, I don't know any flight attendants willing to leave their layover hotel a couple hours earlier. TSA is out of controltheir job is to prevent a 9-11but today they are covid mask enforcers, DEA agents, uniform police etc etcKCM was paid for and pushed in by ALPA with alpa duesthe F/A's got in for free and ruined it. We should not take a step backward. So they are more likely to risk their crap paying job (as stated in the article) to make big bucks very easily. This story is incorrect. It takes all of us to to fly passengers. Carriage of another individual's property through the KCM portal to circumvent screening is prohibited. Unless traveling where you go through security like everyone else. Dangerous goods permitted in carry-on baggage are also permitted "on one's person", except where otherwise specified. I will not come here to say one is worse than the other, while I have witnessed my fair share of the other half doing things they should not. However, keep in mind it is not just F/A's who have been known to smuggle items or take advantage of the benefit. Its simply aggravation when you have to wait on a slow ass employee bus then drag your bag to security and here an offer say You wanna try your luck with a dumb ass grin on their face. Funny how you said that it's the flight attendants when I can tell because I actually work as a flight attendant that just last month a PILOT went through KCM with a loaded weapon that he should have declared. . KCM is Accessible Only for "Active" Crewmembers. Are allowed access to TSA PreChecklanes and standard passenger screening lanes. Am I not mistaken, but in many other parts of the world, do the pilots and FAs not just simply present to the front of the general security queues? The vast majority of crew use KCM exactly as they should and are law abiding. They are the problem, not pilots. believe it or not your not nearly as important as you would like to think you are. The attention is directed at the wrong people. An automated enhancement to random screening/USP has been enabled in the KCM system. If the investigation results in regulatory findings, including a Warning Notice, loss of KCM privileges will continue for the period of time that TSA has determined is necessary. If the TSA's job isn't to catch drugs, then I'm not exactly sure what this will accomplish. There weren't "delays" before KCM. Crew Member responsibilities include assisting customers as needed, answering questions, and completing daily tasks. While you have no idea what its like going through security as many times as we do with our heavy bag, etc, as many times as we do, it is actually quite frustrating to walk up to kcm and be randomed 2/3 of the time. Unfortunately, due to the dubious actions and agendas of a few, here we are. Ive seen grandpa working like its his second career to stay busy. About AFA | I am not trying to disparage flight attendants, of course they are important but they are not the same as pilots and there are multiple rational grounds for distinguishing between them. 0000007899 00000 n Don't have an account? It would make better sense to just have a baggage scanner at each KCM checkpoint but eliminate the need to X-ray scan our bodies. I get to see both sides of this equation. I'm a flight attendant with 34 years seniority. Queen Mary 2 is certified to carry 4,400 people (3,108 guests and 1,292 crew members). Allowing anyone to bypass security is illogical and needs to stop. The blame is on BOTH PARTS. 2023 PlanePeople. Goose step much Herr Pee Brain? Ive definitely noticed an increase in random screenings over the last several months. And not using the KCM line. I recently took a leave of absence from my airline, am I eligible to use KCM while on leave? I'm guessing there are very few prohibited items discovered during random screening. _W+ The SF system randomly selects individuals to undergo selectee screening and will identify the printed boarding pass or seat request card with a SSSS. Only 1 per person/crew member allowed (II) Safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element . This will ensure your ability to use the KCM system again. 31 years as an airline pilot and seven years naval aviator. That should have never been allowed any more than ground workers could access special security lines when traveling. 0000002043 00000 n A: Effective March 31, 2022, the TSA will require KCM eligible crewmembers to scan a KCM-issued barcode card when utilizing a KCM access point. So, lets start by eliminating FAs from KCM. Meanwhile I have to show my employer issued ID, plus scan a TSA issued barcode identifying me and a 2nd Government issued picture ID (a 3rd ID not in uniform). Not airport staff and crew check point. Also allowing them to use this when they are off duty is the other problem. Contact knives or knife-like (whether or not made of metal), including leather working knives. If a crewmember does not present an active KCM barcode card and is referred for screening, they must follow the TSOs instructions and complete the screening process at the passenger screening checkpoint. Youre right though, losing KCM is the least of their problems; however, Full disclosure- Im a flight attendant, and its frustrating to lose this privilege because of crew members who dont follow the rules. BS, airports like MIA and MCO all and I mean all employees entering the sterile or SIDA area of the airport are screened. Most of these tsa agents are regular people, lower paid, not highly educated. And I mean to the VERY front, all the way to the front of the belt. Cops, firefighters and paramedics are first responders. So they pick on us instead. It's not rocket science. This entire article was a joke and seemed more demeaning than informative. . The program is not ending. ice axes and ice picks. must be screened at the passenger-screening checkpoint. When all of the flights are getting delayed, people will be wishing KCM was back. Get a list of the restricted items, dangerous goods. Surely if it truly were that long Donna (Karen) you absolutely would have taken a photo. For those who abuse the line, like while going to leisure international travel, which is not permitted, an immediate 6 months suspension without pay. The use of the KCM program is a privilege and not a right. But it's ridiculous to get rid of a program that seems to be working fairly good so far. Flight attendants (mostly female) live out of their suitcases for several days at a time and wouldn't be feasible to check their bags just for health and beauty products (make-up, shampoo, etc), not counting the amount of food that FA's are allowed to pack in their travel cooler (again, several days of food are packed in those coolers) FA's are background checked and it's My concern for flight attendants would be the TSA liquid limits. Just give us our own lane already. Either way, you're a crewmember so you'd better get ready for work, you have peanuts to distribute. TSA doesn't screen for drugs. BTW! So, what is even closer scrutiny of crew trying to accomplish? You've been intentionally disrupting things for years. [1] [2] Collectively called cabin crew, flight attendants are primarily responsible for passenger safety and comfort. The way I type indicates that I'm a bum and have a busted vehicle? Absolutely no verification of credentials or inspection of personal items. lap-top computers, camcorders, when carried by passengers or crew for personal use. That's because you unhinged exmilitary guys are a threat. AFA worked with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure that Flight Attendants would be included in this vital program, which allows participating crew members to access sterile areas of the airport through a separate crew portal. If someone smuggles drugs or other prohibited items through security or customs, bust them and prosecute, dont completely attempt to re invent the wheel by punishing everyone. You walk on your own to TSA Pre and wait in line with everyone else. Cleaners/agents/food vendors/cleaning crews/maintenance. xbbbg`b`` / The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has provided new guidance to the Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) staffing the Known Crewmember (KCM )Access Points. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will take over Known Crew member screening (KCM) in 2023. Can we also ban the pilots who brought their guns, or the ones bringing their wives wine? endstream endobj 62 0 obj <> endobj 63 0 obj <>stream The more that original mission is replaced by "catch and imprison people carrying contraband" the less it makes sense to ignore the protections afforded under the Fourth. General. Second, customers are always disappointed when a crew member steps to the front of a line. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. After-all, in an emergency at 35,000-feet, calling 911 isn't going to save youbut the flight attendants just might? Cry for us. A few extra minutes of my time isnt going to matter that much. Again, the TSA doesn't handle drug cases but if they do even random checks and find something that is illegal, they are going to refer it to local or federal police. If I need to go through the line, the smurfs need to go through the line too. KCM is a risk-based security program and the use of the KCM program is a privilege and not a right. Instead of addressing their mess, they are looking to SHOW how they are making changes to "Protect the public" by using us crew as an example. KCM does not exempt a crewmember from complying with these additional screening techniques. Crewmembers may not bring pets or pet carriers through the KCM access point. Contact Us. Deny entry and inform the crewmember/s, as applicable, that they are not authorized through the KCM access point. Yeah, like pilots dont smuggle things in either smh! Having an off duty employee pass rider clogging up lines that they didnt subscribe/pay for is spitting into face of As a paying subscriber of CLEAR & TSAPre, I would welcome a dedicated crew/employee line for those employees that are working.