Group Hug for TSA

These days much of what you see in the press is negative. And part of the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of my brothers and sisters in the media. Some feel that it's easier to sell subscriptions and ads with outrageous or negative headlines, stories and images. I think that's just lazy.

TSA, in particular, has gotten plenty of negative coverage-and not just from the press. Congress and the aviation industry pick on it as well. While some criticism is deserved, most is not; and it's certainly not positive. 

Two articles in this issue provide some balance to all that negativity. While the specifics of the projects are different, the message about TSA's level of performance and initiative is similar. The agency has proven that it can be a great partner and has collaborated with key stakeholders to make our industry better.

The first story comes to us from DTW and involves the development of Mobile Inspection Tables to improve the checked baggage screening process. Working with the airport and manufacturer Daifuku Airport Solutions, TSA assisted to test and implement the automated cart. While early, results regarding this laborsaving device are promising and have potential to be used elsewhere in the industry.

Also deserving recognition is TSA's work at ORD. The Chicago Department of Aviation and TSA recently partnered with United Airlines and American Airlines to deploy five automated screening lanes that have improved operational efficiency and reduced wait times at two different checkpoints. Working collaboratively with the airlines, equipment manufacturer MacDonald Humfrey and the airport, TSA was instrumental in adding new automation to help improve the passenger experience at ORD.

Come on; let's give TSA a group hug. It deserves one.  

Cheers,