Travel Security Update.

Nov 13, 2006

Lawmakers may push for mandatory cargo screening. Congressional Democrats may push for legislation requiring airlines to screen all cargo on passenger airliners. Some observers say such a rule would force airlines to consider ending cargo service. Freight produces 4% of airlines' annual revenue, according to the Air Transport Association. "Cargo on passenger aircraft is a very important reality in terms of the overall economy," says James May, Air Transport Association president and CEO.

Nov 10, 2006

Democrats expected to set new priorities for transportation. Democratic congressional leaders are expected to oppose White House plans to consolidate air traffic control facilities and allow more foreign control of airlines. They may also boost the number of TSA airport screeners, increase cargo inspection on passenger airlines and hold more FAA oversight hearings. Nov 9, 2006

Advancements in airport security stalled by bureaucracy?. Technology experts predict that eventually inconspicuous probes and detectors will screen travelers and allow them to avoid long security lines. However, they say government bureaucracy has discouraged development of new technology. Instead, some companies are taking existing technology and trying to market it to the TSA. Nov 8, 2006

EU travelers adjust to new security rules. Security lines were longer at EU airports Monday as travelers adjusted to new rules that require them to put containers holding liquids into plastic bags. Nov 7, 2006

Sentiment surrounding the airline sector has lifted in recent weeks following a fall in oil prices and after restrictions on hand luggage at European airports was eased. Nov 7, 2006

Minor Delays As New EU Airport Security Rules Start. New rules forced air travelers to pack perfume, toothpaste and other liquids into small plastic bags before going through security checkpoints at Europe's airports on Monday. Lines were longer than usual at terminals in Frankfurt and Paris as passengers got to grips with the new European Union regulations, though most travelers seemed reassured by the tougher measures. The rules limit the amount of liquids people may take on board planes and reflect efforts to standardize measures put in place in Europe after London authorities said in August they had foiled a plot to bomb flights bound for the United States. Nov 6, 2006

Atlanta airport

New security rules could slow lines during Thanksgiving week. Officials are concerned that confusion over new security rules could snarl airport security lines over Thanksgiving week. At the Atlanta airport, officials say security lines are running 30% slower than they were before the current ban on liquids was put in place. Nov 7, 2006

Denver International Airport 

Demand rebounds after London scare. Demand for travel has recovered since the August terrorism scare in London. At Denver International Airport, September traffic jumped 16.1% from year-ago levels. "The industry was hurt by what happened in August, and DIA's numbers probably would've been up even more if it weren't for that," aviation consultant Mike Boyd says. "But the industry is recovering. It looks like it's going to be a very strong 2007." Nov 9, 2006

L-3 Communications 

L-3 Communications lands $40M TSA contract. TSA has awarded L-3 Communications a contract to provide U.S. airports with 34 explosive detection machines. The contract is worth more than $40 million. Nov 9, 2006

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Editor: Aram Gesar, eMail: [e-mail]

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Oct 30, 2006