Travel Security Update.

For more safety & security data and analysis, please go to: http://www.airguideonline.com/professional.htm May 22, 2006

Senate OKs passport deadline extension. Americans may not have to show passports to re-enter the U.S. after visits to Mexico and Canada until at least June 1, 2009, after the Senate voted Wednesday to extend the deadline. The bill, part of the immigration reform legislation Congress has been debating, has not yet become law. May 19, 2006

US releases long-awaited air cargo security regulation. The US government's final rule on air cargo security was issued this week after three years of debate and revision, marking the first major change to the regulations since 1999. May 19, 2006

TSA screeners will focus on fliers' behavior. Transportation Security Administration screeners will focus more on travelers' behavior. The TSA will introduce race-neutral profiling at several large U.S. airports. The TSA has tested the program over the past three years. May 19, 2006

Experts question TSA's preparation for future threats. Experts question whether the Transportation Security Administration is flexible enough to deal with future terrorist threats. The Air Transport Association opposes the TSA's Registered Traveler program because security lines are now much shorter, and the program does not offer benefits to frequent travelers. May 17, 2006

Secure Flight testing remains on hold, TSA official says. The Transportation Security Administration named Peter Pietra director of privacy policy and compliance on April 17. In an interview, Pietra said all testing of the Secure Flight program is on hold. The TSA came under fire for the testing, which auditors said violated privacy laws. May 16, 2006

Secure Flight testing remains on hold, TSA official says. The Transportation Security Administration named Peter Pietra director of privacy policy and compliance on April 17. In an interview, Pietra said all testing of the Secure Flight program is on hold. The TSA came under fire for the testing, which auditors said violated privacy laws. May 16, 2006

Travel managers raise concerns about Registered Traveler program. Many corporate travel managers say they have concerns about the Transportation Security Administration's Registered Traveler program. Concerns include the careers of workers who are rejected during the federal background check. May 16, 2006

Three more airports get "gateway" status. The Transportation Security Administration named Dallas/Love Field, Memphis International Airport and Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport "gateway" airports. The designation allows the pre-cleared general aviation operators to fly directly from the airports into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. May 15, 2006

El Al

El Al requests second baggage screening at Newark airport. El Al has asked the Transportation Security Administration for permission to screen its own baggage at Newark Liberty International Airport. The airline already conducts second screenings at four airports. Critics say El Al's request is a vote of no confidence in the TSA. May 15, 2006