Travel Safety & Security Update.

TSA bans cargo from California shipper. The Transportation Security Administration has ordered carriers not to take cargo from California shipping company J.H. World Express. The TSA said the firm has not addressed a series of security violations. Mar 23, 2006

US Transportation Security Administration said that Los Angeles-based J.H. World Express "does not meet security standards and will have its indirect air carrier certification revoked for shipments on passenger aircraft." The company will be able to reapply for certification in 90 days Mar 23, 2006

Aviation security system provides strategic coverage. A report that 21 airport screening checkpoints did not detect packages containing potentially explosive materials raised questions about the effectiveness of the airport security system. ABC's John J. Nance notes that airport security system has the ability to correct itself when needed. He notes that the current aviation security philosophy is to provide strategic coverage in the most vulnerable areas. Mar 22, 2006

Registered Traveler entrepreneur discusses privacy concerns. Travelers who use a program to move quickly through security checkpoints will not compromise their privacy, Verified Identity Pass CEO Steven Brill said. The company operates the only Registered Traveler program in the U.S. in Orlando and plans to expand after June 20. The Electronic Privacy Information Center's Marcia Hofmann says the program still faces some privacy and security issues, including government handling of rejected applications. Mar 22, 2006

US airline safety deteriorated in 2005. US scheduled airlines experienced 32 accidents last year, three of which were fatal, resulting in 22 deaths, according to US National Transportation Safety Board preliminary safety statistics. Mar 21, 2006

Aviation security system provides strategic coverage. A report that 21 airport screening checkpoints did not detect packages containing potentially explosive materials raises questions about the effectiveness of the airport security system. ABC's John J. Nance says the airport security system has the ability to correct itself when needed, and notes the current aviation security philosophy is to provide strategic coverage in the most vulnerable areas. Mar 21, 2006

FAA rule change allows older pilots to fly. Pilots who fly small aircraft can now use their driver's licenses to prove they are healthy enough to continue flying. Critics say accidents increase as pilots pass age 60. Previously, pilots 40-years-old and older were required to pass a physical exam every two years. Mar 20, 2006

TSA to launch Registered Traveler program in June. The Transportation Security Administration's Registered Traveler program is scheduled to launch in June. Observers say frequent fliers are likely to benefit from the program, which will allow them to move quickly through security lines after going through background checks and paying a fee. Mar 20, 2006

Hong Kong firm may scan cargo bound for U.S.. The White House is finalizing an agreement for a Hong Kong company to scan cargo at the U.S. port in the Bahamas. The company will run equipment able to detect radioactive materials. The agreement illustrates how the U.S. is turning to overseas firms to safeguard cargo headed for the U.S. Mar 24, 2006