On January 1st, 2003 there were introduced stricter airport measures for checked luggage. It influenced all passengers who were going to, from and through the USA airports. After the dramatic events of September 11th there was founded the Transportation Security Administration in order to enhance security and prevent future terrorist attacks in the air.
It should be noted that before September 11, 2001, airport screening was carried out by private companies that cooperated with the airline or airport. But then the newly created Transportation Security Administration took over the task and began to handle screening at all airports in the country. Bulletproof and locked cockpit doors were set up to serve the purpose.
Under the new laws some items were forbidden to be carried by passengers. It is known that box-cutter knives were used during attacks on September 11, 2001 although they are rarely regarded as weapons. The terrorists managed to bring the knives with them past airport security as then they satisfied the regulations working for U.S. domestic flights when any knife that had a blade not exceeding 4 inches was allowed. On September 13, 2001 it was banned to carry any type of knife on airplanes. In 2006 became tougher and now passengers can not carry on plane a whole range of items, for example liquids, gels and aerosols in quantities exceeding 3 ounces past security screening, and all bottles must be placed in a clear plastic bag and sent through screening separately.
Most aircraft have their cockpit doors strengthened and bulletproof. Such measures are aimed at preventing unauthorized access. Some aircraft have CCTV cams installed enabling the pilots to control the activity in the cabin. Pilots are also allowed to have a gun but they have to get trained how to use it. There has also been a rise in air marshals employed onto flights.
Since 2001 the screening rules have become much stricter. In many cases they pat down passengers and carry out a close and careful hand-held metal detector scan. The security staff undergoes better training for exercising searches.
Now valid ID is a must have requirement for all passengers. The ID is issued by the government specially for flights. The officers have a right to check the ID at any time to make sure that all the details mentioned on the ID are identical to those stated on the boarding pass. There are some exceptional cases when a person may fly without a valid ID. However, in such situations he undergoes additional screening as well as his luggage.
However, TSA is not capable to carry out background checks on passengers at checkpoints. But there are restrictions on entering sensitive areas in airports, such airport ramps and operational spaces, so the commons are not allowed there. To get access to these areas a person has to provide special qualifications.
This rise in security screening resulted in the fact that there are long queues for security checks in some airports. To make the situation a bit easier and reduce the queues there were created Premium lines that serve for passengers who travel in First or Business Class and those who were among elite members of an airline’s Frequent Flyer program.
Further reading
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