• New TSA Guidelines
• Rob Fuhr Departs
• Accessing The Hub
• AFA Local Numbers

NEW TSA GUIDELINES

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to announce a major policy change on Friday that will shift the agency's focus away from passengers carrying sharp objects on board the nation's airliners. Instead of screening for these currently banned items the agency will turn their attention toward preventing explosive devices form being carried onboard. In order to be able to do this with existing manpower the agency is expected to announce that certain previously banned items will now be allowed to pass through security checkpoints. Early reports from unnamed TSA sources indicate the new guidelines will allow scissors less than 4 inches long and screwdrivers less than 7 inches long. It remains unclear if small knives, box cutters or other banned items will now be allowed onboard. The new TSA plan must still be approved by the Homeland Security Department and the Office of Management and Budget. 

The new plan is part of an overall strategy designed to "make better use of TSA's limited resources" (money) and place more emphasis on preventing suicide bombers. TSA spokesperson Yolanda Clark also said, "we will be announcing a number of new initiatives that will have a positive security and customer service impact". The agency says by shifting the screeners' focus from knives and scissors to explosive devices holes will be closed in the nation's aviation security system. 

We are all for keeping explosives off the airplane however, the policy shift should be in addition to and not at the expense of the current ban on dangerous items in the cabin.

Since August, when the TSA began considering the policy shift, AFA has lobbied extensively in an effort to maintain the current dangerous items ban. At meetings with TSA Administrator, Edmund "Kip" Hawley, AFA stressed the need to keep the current ban in place. AFA lobbied Congress this fall and secured the support of almost 100 members who voiced their opposition in writing to the TSA.

The TSA policy is designed to make airport screening less predictable for potential terrorists and allow for a closer inspection of carry-on baggage for explosive devices rather than taking the time enforce the current ban on sharp objects. I have an idea; limit the amount of carry-on bags. If there are fewer bags to screen there will be more time available to widen the screening parameters using the existing manpower. 

A stricter limit on carry-on bags would of course put the onus on the airlines who fear passenger inconvenience could lead to increased passenger complaints. The Air Transport Association, a lobbying group that represents airlines, agrees with the new TSA approach. Spokesman David Castelveter (formerly of US Airways) says, "We should be focusing on what poses the greatest risk." No one can disagree with the idea that more effort should be focused on an "explosive free" cabin; but I would challenge anyone to tell me being impaled by a 7 inch screw driver is not a risk. 

The TSA notes that this year alone they have confiscated 3 million scissors and over 800,000 tools. Good, that is their job. The new guidelines would now require the TSA to measure scissors and tools for compliance. How is that going to speed up the security lines or allow more time to focus on the other "risks"? Once passengers know they can bring formerly banned items onboard I believe they won't read ALL the rules and will be trying to travel with everything from machetes to chainsaws (the non-explosive kind of course). Furthermore, over time screeners will not be challenging or measuring anything. 

The TSA is over thinking the situation. It makes no sense to allow any type of dangerous item on board a commercial airliner. No bombs, no guns, no knives, no tools or anything else that can be used as a weapon. If a lack of resources forces the TSA to selectively screen for the "risk of the day" then get more resources. 

The airlines are over thinking the problem as well. Quit worrying so much about the inconvenience to the passenger at the security checkpoint and enforce carry-on bag limits. Being part of a system that allows potential weapons on board that cold kill or maim even one passenger or crew member will send this industry into turmoil again. 

Safety is about more than preventing someone from commandeering a jet or blowing one out of the sky. Safety is also about peace of mind. Are we so far removed from 9/11 the facts of that day have faded from our memories? Most of us have just gotten to the point where we are not constantly looking over our shoulder for a knife wielding terrorist. Soon we will be right back where we started.

If someone in airline management or the TSA could tell me why it would be an inconvenience for a passenger not to have to check his pocket knife, box cutter or 7 inch screw driver I would feel better. After all why would anyone need any of these items on an airplane? 

Thank you, 

Mike Flores, President
US Airways Master Executive Council

------------

Rob Fuhr Departs

After a 29 year career with Allegheny and US Airways, Director of Crew Scheduling, Rob Fuhr spent his last day with the Company yesterday. Rob started with Allegheny as a flight attendant and held numerous positions in Inflight Services, Crew Resources and Scheduling. 

As this fall progressed and the merger with America West began to take shape it became clear there would be attrition in management. It was a shock to all of us Rob was not offered a position with the new US Airways. In every position Rob held he always did the right thing. AFA leadership could always count on Rob to give us fair and just decisions. While we may not have always agreed, we always knew those decisions were well though out and contractually correct. 

On his last day Rob found time to stop by the MEC office in PIT and say farewell. (Rob is in the green shirt) Always a man of integrity and honor, Rob will be missed by all of us.

We all wish Rob prosperity and happiness in the future. 

The Master Executive Council

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Accessing The Hub:

http://thehub.usairways.com 
Logging in the first time your user name is u0(zero) and your five digit employee number. Your initial password is the first five digits of your social security number. Questions about the Hub? Please contact the EDS Help Desk at 336-744-6000 for assistance. More information can also be found HERE.

AFA Local Numbers

Council 40 PIT 724-695-3329
Council 41 DCA 703-212-8090
Council 69 BOS 781-289-8454
Council 70 PHL 215-492-0840
Council 82 LGA 315-736-3483
Council 89 CLT 704-527-0325

New Hotline Number Toll Free: 866-USA-AFA2
US AIRWAYS Benefits Information 800-872-4780

Reply to Inflight: askinflight@usairways.com

Got Questions? Get Answers

The *E-Line* is now in a new and improved format. By updating your profile at unionvoice.org you will be able to enjoy improved services in the near future! Visit your subscription management page at: http://www.unionvoice.org/

Got questions about This *E-Line* from AFA - US Airways or any other Union matter? Do NOT REPLY to the *E-Line*. PLEASE contact your local AFA officers or committee chairs directly: http://www.afausairways.org/emailaddresses2.htm

Your MEC Officers
Association of Flight Attendants
Hotline & *E-Line* - US Airways