Airport Security: the Post 9/11 Age

Prior to 9/11, commercial airport security was minimal. The most an individual had to do was remove the coin change in their pockets or maybe even taking off belts that had particularly large buckles and walking through a metal detector. Not today. Now there are full body scanners at some airports. Twelve years ago, non-ticketed visitors could escort their loved ones departing to airline gates. No today. Security prior 9/11 was what I would say is lackadaisical. There was a point in time where pilots would fly with the cockpit doors open, and they would even invite younger children to the cockpit to take a glimpse at the controls. Not today. Currently, the cock pit door stays closed, usually with a flight attendant standing guard in front of it. Prior to 9/11, you only had to show ID when you were checking in and only two questions were asked: Did you pack your own bags? Have your bags been seen outside your control? No today. Now all luggage, carry ons included, are searched by TSA agents. Today, on every flight, there are at least one to two officers disguised for

Airport security in the post 9/11 era is designed to create the illusion of safety, without actually protecting us from terrorism. It is important to recognize, that the TSA is incredibly ineffective, at preventing prohibited items from getting past its gates. In a recent test at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, undercover federal agents successful snuck in 95 percent of explosive materials, fake weapons and drugs. While this failure rate is certainly alarmingly high it is by no way unique. In a similar, but slightly broader Homeland Security investigation, the TSA failed 67 out of 70 tests conducted by the department’s Red Team across a variety of cities. Furthermore, the layout of security at airports is incredible ineffective. According to renowned security expert, Rafi Sela, “security should happen in rings, so different teams can check each other’s work.” However, in American Airports the only place that security happens is at one checkpoint.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2011 prompted the world to reevaluate and drastically modify airport and airline security. “Four targets had been chosen, all iconic American buildings that would send a clear message of the depth of their hatred for the United States. All four planes crashed, killing all on board—terrorists, crew members, and passengers, along with hundreds who were killed inside the structures, on the ground, and the men and women who ran into collapsing buildings in an effort to try and save others” (Smutz 1). As Jason Villemez said “the decade after the 9/11 attacks reshaped many facets of life in America” (Villemez 1). Before the attacks, people did not think that large

The airports dealt with bag sceeings and making sure that no one dangerous was aloud on the plane. They basically took care of the bulk of pre 9/11 “air port security”. The airlines, like many airports, also hired private companies to take care of baggage and passenger screenings.

To begin with airport security has changed extremely since the September 11 attack. It was a normal day for New York City on September 11 when around 8:46 a.m. an United Airline Flight 11 crashed the north tower killing many people on board and in the building (A&E Television Networks). Then around 9:03 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 crashed on the south tower also killing everyone on board and on the building and leaving many injured (A&E Television Networks). Many people lost family members and the attack left them missing their loved ones and till this day it still causes some effects. Ever since that day airport security has been much secured and the creation of Transportation Security Administration was made (Farecompare.com). TSA also known as

Airport security is now a long and tedious event everyone dreads at the airport. The reason for the wait and rules is the hijacking that took place that fateful day. Many outrageous rules come from this such as no full sized toothpaste tubes and water bottles over 16 ounces. This is undoubtedly saving many lives day to day and preventing another 9/11 scenario but also causes some disruption and dislike by the common population of America.

Through the history of aviation the importance of airport security has steadily increased. Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, many changes have taken place at airports to prevent such an attack from occurring again. The purpose of this paper is to: outline airport security procedures, discuss the different technologies involved with airport security, as well as examine the components of airport security. In addition I will also discuss the Transportation Security Administration’s role in our nation’s airport security.

Since the attack of 9/11, many transit agencies have increased security measures and have taken multiple steps to improve security for all individuals involved in any travel system. Although many improvements have been made, such as traditional

Since the 9/11 attacks, security has been a major thing that the U.S has tightened up on at airports and international regions across the United States. Because we don’t have the technology to help stop terrorist attacks in airports, security screening needs to be more enhanced. One important thing about security after the attacks are the airports. The Federal Government created a Administration for Transportation Security. This Administration has control over traveling in the United States.

To this day many are still shaken by the impact of the atrocity and crimes committed on September 11, 2001. In order to help enforce aviation laws and regulations and secure passengers, the Government has taken extra measures to ensure increased safety against such acts of terror. Areas of increased concern include ground security, airport and airplane security as well as passenger safety. New methods of prevention have been introduced such as: Advance Passenger Information; Secure Flight programs; Detection at Ports of

Remember 9/11? That could have been prevented and more with heavy airport security. Attacks and illegal things could are other things that could be prevented as well.

The article, “9 Ways Security Has Changed Since 9/11,” discusses different ways security has changed in airports since September 11, 2001. Before the 9/11 terrorist attack, airport security consisted of only a metal detector. Now, identification is required; shoes must be removed; all baggage must be checked; and only a tiny liquid bottle is allowed. Before, passengers could arrive a few minutes before the boarding time. Now, airlines recommend arriving two hours before boarding.

When it comes to airport security methods there is conflicting views on it. Are they the best method used by the government for a passenger’s safety or are there better methods available were passengers feel the same amount of safety. Full body scans along with pat-downs are the methods used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure the safety of passengers before boarding a plane. The common metal detector is now not enough to provide a clear and effective solution to what a passenger is carrying on them before boarding. Passengers have felt that the TSA and the scans violate the Fourth Amendment and the Privacy Act because they are required to at least go through one search method in order to board a plane.. As a result of this there are mixed views some leading to lawsuits and one’s health is being question with these methods being used.

additions to airport security in the United States following the attacks of September 11, 2001, is

Airport security is necessary for the safety and efficiency of airlines today. Attacks involving airlines have been “among the deadliest in terms of human lives and economic impact,” even though relatively few attacks have occurred using airlines compared to other terrorism methods (Szyliowicz, 2011, p.2). Airport Security has been administered using a government-operated system since the Aviation and Transportation Security Act was enacted in 2001. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), now an agency of homeland security, replaced private security measures and personnel with at least 60,000 federal employees (Szyliowicz, 2011). However, privatization may be making a come-back. The following analysis will analyze