WASHINGTON, D.C.
More than a decade after 9/11, the United States' aviation system faces three major challenges that carry serious economic implications, according to testimony by the U.S. Travel Association's Chief Operating Officer Geoff Freeman, given on Sept. 11.
"The first challenge—and a top priority for the travel industry—is achieving the highest level of security in the face of numerous and shifting threats," said Freeman. "The second major challenge facing TSA is the growing inefficiency of the passenger screening process. Repeated studies show that TSA's security checkpoints are time-consuming, frustrating, and deterring millions of people from traveling each year. The third challenge facing TSA is the rapid cost increase of screening per passenger."
Freeman provided solutions to problems currently facing the Transportation and Security Administration's trusted traveler program called PreCheck. Those included expanding PreCheck through private sector innovation and technology, allowing interoperability for all PreCheck enrollees and increasing predictability through background checks, which will allow TSA to lower its rates of randomized screening.
Additionally, Freeman urged Congress to take the lead in helping TSA solve its long-term problems in three areas: hearings and oversight; legislative action such as a TSA reauthorization bill; and viewing security and efficiency as equal and obtainable goals.
