Airport Security Since 2001

The events of September 11^th 2001, most definitely changed the security of the aviation as well as national security in general.  Many measures have been put into place at airports and around the industry aimed at preventing any similar event from happening again. From the public perception, everything seems to be much safer, but also more complicated at the airport. That raises the question, is it actually helping or hurting the industry

In my eyes aviation security is much better then it was at that point in time, but designing a security system and process for an industry that is evolving faster and faster everyday seems very difficult.  Security plans and processes are designed and implemented based on the industry and the way it operates, but when that changes, so must the security in some cases.

Despite the advances and improvements in airport security, holes in the system still exist. According to a report by reuters (link included below), airport security needs to come from every angle possible, and they are still concerned with smaller airports that lack funding for proper security. This should definitely be a concern at all airports that need security such as passenger screening, bag checks and airport perimeter security as well. The economy is in a rough spot and the airline industry is one of the hardest hit. During this time where every company is looking for ways to cut costs, security needs to be very careful to not remove measures that will jeopardize safety.

I believe these operations can be performed more efficiently. A lot of time is put into coming up with new ideas and systems for airport security. The ones that prove successful are then implemented for use until the next best advance comes along. Fact of the matter is, is that constant change is the most important reason for success in airport security.  These systems and procedures need to be constantly changed and unpredictable. If not, the observance of these procedures and the “routine” could be studied and memorized, in which case leaves the risk of someone being able to see the holes and know how to get through them. I believe more change more frequently in these processes may actually be beneficial.

Existing security now affects certain personnel in the industry as well as customers. Sure it is different now than 10 years ago, but we have all adapted to it and will continue to do so. As for the future, changes to the system could affect ones aviation career in certain aspects, such as background or background checks. If a certain measure is added that wasn’t present in the past, it could change ones eligibility or status. Clearances may become stricter and in that case would cost companies more to complete these background checks, which would make already having a clearance more beneficial. Added requirements for crewmembers may be implemented such as the carrying of a firearm, which will require more training for some. It could also affect simple aspects such as ones daily schedule. Passengers have to show up much earlier for flights than in the past to complete security measures, in some cases employees do as well.  The known crewmember access point article highlights this issue and some experiments being conducted to make it more efficient for employees.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/16/us-airport-security-idUSTRE78F6G720110916