Report: TSA Ending Known Crewmember Program In 2023

Report: TSA Ending Known Crewmember Program In 2023

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While exact details remain to be seen, it would appear that airline pilots and flight attendants may have to consistently start going through airport security as of next year…

TSA introducing Expedited Crew Access

According to Aero Crew News, in 2023 the Known Crewmember Program (KCM) will be replaced by a new program branded as Expedited Crew Access (ECA). This would no longer be a joint initiative with the Air Line Pilots Association and Airlines for America, but rather would entirely be under the control of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

While I haven’t seen the document myself, this has allegedly been outlined in a Known Crewmember update, following a meeting with TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

In the meantime, random screenings through the program will continue to increase, to minimize the number of prohibited items being brought through security.

For context, with the Known Crewmember Program, eligible pilots and flight attendants don’t have to clear security when passing through airports.

Instead there’s a special lane they can go through, where they have to scan their badge, and then they can pass right through the checkpoint, without being screened. The exception is that employees will sometimes be randomly selected to be screened, and the number of random screenings has reportedly increased significantly in recent months (and will continue to increase).

My take on TSA Known Crewmember Program changes

Just a couple of weeks ago I posed the question of whether the Known Crewmember Program should be reconsidered. We’ve seen an increasing number of people smuggling drugs and other prohibited items through these checkpoints.

After all, there’s big money in smuggling drugs, and perhaps some newly minted flight attendants don’t feel like they have that much to lose career-wise. If they can make their annual salary as a flight attendant with a couple of “runs,” then they might figure it’s worth the risk.

What’s my take on these alleged changes?

  • On the one hand, I do think it’s time that some changes are made to the Known Crewmember Program, purely based on the number of people who have abused it
  • On the other hand, fully screening pilots and flight attendants will take up more TSA resources and could lead to longer lines at security; furthermore, the TSA isn’t actually very good at finding hidden objects
  • At least in the case of pilots, I think screening is kind of unnecessary, since they’re flying the plane, and if they wanted to do something…
  • Ultimately I also get the argument that the TSA isn’t there to stop drugs, but rather to stop weapons; that being said, if someone is smuggling kilos of cocaine and fentanyl, getting that off the streets (or out of the skies) doesn’t seem like a bad thing

Anyway, I’m curious to see what the new procedure looks like. Will the Expedited Crew Access program require all pilots and flight attendants to be screened, or…?

Bottom line

For years, pilots and flight attendants haven’t had to regularly go through security, thanks to the Known Crewmember Program. With an increase in travelers using these checkpoints to smuggle stuff onto planes, it seems that it’s going to be reconsidered.

As of 2023, the TSA will allegedly be introducing Expedited Crew Access, which will replace the Known Crewmember Program. I’m curious to learn all the details of what this will look like.

What do you make of the news of the TSA replacing the Known Crewmember Program with Expedited Crew Access?

Conversations (212)
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  1. PissedOffFlightAttendant Guest

    Your article contradicts itself. Your main point is flight attendants carrying drugs in, while also saying pilots shouldn’t be screened because they are flying the plane and if they wanted to crash it they could. KCM has a hugely important resource to us as flight attendants. We already spend hours of our time unpaid in airports, we should be able to skip security. The amount of drugs & guns attempted to be carried through are...

    Your article contradicts itself. Your main point is flight attendants carrying drugs in, while also saying pilots shouldn’t be screened because they are flying the plane and if they wanted to crash it they could. KCM has a hugely important resource to us as flight attendants. We already spend hours of our time unpaid in airports, we should be able to skip security. The amount of drugs & guns attempted to be carried through are minuscule in comparison to the amount of crews that go through KCM & TSA a day. KCM should stay as is, and if we get randomed our bags can be searched right there.

  2. Pissed off Patriot Guest

    There is no increased threat or incursions. If there was, the author would've posted the data. TSA refuses to show the unions fighting against increased screening the data. Just like everything with govt these days, lies and obfuscation. This is merely another layer of conditioning for compliance. It has nothing to do with safety, if it was, they'd take the crash axe out of the cockpits, just saying.

  3. Jim Guest

    It’s not because of bad apples. It’s because too much freedom cannot be allowed. Governments seek excessive control. The government is running drugs, trafficking children, exploiting world resources with the military. Control freaks are running the government, that’s the problem.

  4. Freeman Jones Guest

    Putting cocaine at the same level as fentanyl is nuts LOL

  5. Sburg Guest

    The percentage of any known crew member abusing this wonderful program wouldn’t even be l1% of those of us who use this privledge. Commentary like this is misinformation to the public. Shame on you. I hope you miss all you’re flights in the future while you’re crew waits in line behind you. You are NOT A KNOWN CREW MEMBER SO QUIT LYING TO THE PUBLIC!!!

  6. Renee Anderson Guest

    You have no idea what you are saying. You think it is ok to send FAs through security and NOT pilots? I can tell you honestly that limits are some of the WORST offenders with regards to trying to sneak in items whether it be domestic or through customs. Please be careful who you are blaming!!!!!

  7. Kelly Guest

    I’m a flight attendant and I’ve been “random” 18 times out of 22… since I started counting in January. I’ve been going through regular security when I arrive at the airport at my home base just to avoid the bother of being sent there anyway. Yesterday when I went through TSA pre-check, i “beeped” walking through the detector even though I had nothing in my pockets or that I was wearing that should have beeped…...

    I’m a flight attendant and I’ve been “random” 18 times out of 22… since I started counting in January. I’ve been going through regular security when I arrive at the airport at my home base just to avoid the bother of being sent there anyway. Yesterday when I went through TSA pre-check, i “beeped” walking through the detector even though I had nothing in my pockets or that I was wearing that should have beeped… I asked the TSA what was beeping she said and I quote it’s not you it’s the system it’s chosen you as random… Really??? How is that a thing??? I was then forced to go through the x-ray scanner, and I was still flagged as they said the zipper on my uniform was a problem and then I had to stand there and be patted down in front of everyone, it was infuriating. It’s harassment as far as I’m concerned it’s very frustrating to go through this every time you come to work.

  8. Alan Roy Guest

    This story is incorrect. The program is not ending.

  9. Rb Guest

    As a 30 year career airline pilot, I have a vested interest in protecting my career, so do all of the other pilots I fly with taking security seriously. The FAA in their infinite wisdom starting requiring flight attendants to have an FAA ‘Airman certificate’ several years ago.

    As a result of having the FAA certificate, they are allowed to use the KCM lines. In my opinion and observations, many of the violations that have...

    As a 30 year career airline pilot, I have a vested interest in protecting my career, so do all of the other pilots I fly with taking security seriously. The FAA in their infinite wisdom starting requiring flight attendants to have an FAA ‘Airman certificate’ several years ago.

    As a result of having the FAA certificate, they are allowed to use the KCM lines. In my opinion and observations, many of the violations that have occurred in recent years have been new flight attendants (at a entry level pay scale) that have little to lose by sneaking things through KCM.

    It only takes a few bad apples (be it pilots or flight attendants) to ruin the process for everyone…..

    1. Renee Guest

      Be careful! This is not true! I have been asked by pilot(s) to switch bags so that I can take their liquids through KCM. Yes it was only liquids but they were not in uniform and didn’t want to get random and then have to throw everything away. I have several other stories which I won’t say here…. But shame on you for blaming the FAA when it is NOT always FAs. You might take...

      Be careful! This is not true! I have been asked by pilot(s) to switch bags so that I can take their liquids through KCM. Yes it was only liquids but they were not in uniform and didn’t want to get random and then have to throw everything away. I have several other stories which I won’t say here…. But shame on you for blaming the FAA when it is NOT always FAs. You might take security seriously, as do I and thousands of Flight Attendants, but it doesn’t mean that other PILOTS or Flight Attendants feel or do the same!

  10. Jeannette P Guest

    Sadly people will always try and take advantage of a situation. Smuggling drugs or trying to get a weapon through security should be punishable to the people doing it. Make an example of someone make it public and I bet people will reconsider their behavior. As it is, many of us follow the rules and are constantly being chosen to go to regular security; I have no issue with going through but it has become and everyday event for most honest people.

  11. Proverse Yaw Guest

    I was getting randomly selected so many times, I never renewed my KCM. Now, when TSA asks, I just say “I’m not playing Your Game of going thru two lines, this is all eyewash anyway”

    1. CHRIS Guest

      In your feeble mind, do you really think the TSA guy sitting there makes the rules?

    2. Renee Guest

      Be kind. Shame on you!!!!!!

  12. Closer To Retirement Guest

    So ... I get to see both sides of this equation.

    On the one hand, I've spent the last 16 years+ working for TSA.
    On the other, my spouse is a F/A for Southwest.

    The vast majority of crew use KCM exactly as they should and are law abiding. Then there are the handful who do things they shouldn't do, that are making it a lot harder for everyone else. (I hear at home...

    So ... I get to see both sides of this equation.

    On the one hand, I've spent the last 16 years+ working for TSA.
    On the other, my spouse is a F/A for Southwest.

    The vast majority of crew use KCM exactly as they should and are law abiding. Then there are the handful who do things they shouldn't do, that are making it a lot harder for everyone else. (I hear at home about how the randoms seem to be more than the actual KCM good-to-gos.)

    The folks who say TSA isn't here for drug smuggling interdiction are absolutely correct. We are not law enforcement. The sticky problem here is that a crew member bringing in a pound of drugs could just as easily be bringing in something that could harm an aircraft. For those who say "well, they're flying the plane ...." that didn't end well for the pax and rest of crew of the German flight whose pilot crashed it into a mountain after locking out his copilot, or probably MH360. Crew are human. So ... there you go.

    I hope KCM is not done away with, but kept with added safeguards to prevent abuse.

    1. Brawndo Guest

      And how might a TSA random screening have prevented the German wings incident?

    2. Freeman Jones Guest

      exactly lol… A country that gives up their freedom for a false sense of security it willing to collapse.

      No wonder the US is the only one that hugely embraces the X-Ray Body Scanners capsules. They are trying to influence most countries, especially Europe, Far East Asia (Japan and Korea), their puppet subjects (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Philippines, Ecuador) to use them, but tbh it is not even working out well lol they have...

      exactly lol… A country that gives up their freedom for a false sense of security it willing to collapse.

      No wonder the US is the only one that hugely embraces the X-Ray Body Scanners capsules. They are trying to influence most countries, especially Europe, Far East Asia (Japan and Korea), their puppet subjects (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Philippines, Ecuador) to use them, but tbh it is not even working out well lol they have those machines but they do not even pat people down when it beeps, they simply pass you the metal wand around your body where the machine highlighted.

      As for an actual bomber, trust me, at this point that person can simply ingest the bomb, go through smoothly, and then blow off the plane. Instead of x-rays they need huge profiling, way more bomb (NOT DRUG) K9’s, and maybe even consider putting a trained undercover bomb team cop on every flight to prevent something which remotely will ever happen. Surprisingly it is only the US and a few European-US-bootlicking nations that have fallen threat for bombing.

  13. Craig G jacobsen Guest

    I use KCM and live in a base. There's too many crewmembers to have them all go through pre-check. Actually, I've seen the pre- check line longer than the general boarding line! Now there's a delay...airline management won't like that idea. I've come up with a plan though for my KCM screening, up 75%...I now wear flip flops and a Jethro Bodine belt to then get sent to random screening! No more shoes or belts...

    I use KCM and live in a base. There's too many crewmembers to have them all go through pre-check. Actually, I've seen the pre- check line longer than the general boarding line! Now there's a delay...airline management won't like that idea. I've come up with a plan though for my KCM screening, up 75%...I now wear flip flops and a Jethro Bodine belt to then get sent to random screening! No more shoes or belts to remove. And I get to the plane faster. Maybe the airlines should consider Spandex! Right Eddie!?!

  14. Omar Bradley Guest

    31 years as an airline pilot and seven years naval aviator. If I'm not trusted, then fine. I'll go to the end of the line and the flight will leave when I get to the aircraft and complete my duties. And if I run out of duty day because I've been standing in line, oh well.

  15. Tall Traveler Guest

    As a flight attendant myself I see this as another power grab by the government entity tsa. There are 24,000 flight attendants just at my airline. If you combine all the flight attendants and look at the numbers is it even close to 1% of crew members doing this? I highly doubt it but they won’t release the exact numbers they give vague statements so they can grab more power. This is going to cause...

    As a flight attendant myself I see this as another power grab by the government entity tsa. There are 24,000 flight attendants just at my airline. If you combine all the flight attendants and look at the numbers is it even close to 1% of crew members doing this? I highly doubt it but they won’t release the exact numbers they give vague statements so they can grab more power. This is going to cause more time people wait in line and people already hate it when crew members arrive late to the aircraft.
    I don’t understand this statement about treating flight attendants differently than pilots because we all go through very stringent background checks and process. If a pilots wanted to do something bad they could, we’ve seen it with Malaysian airlines pilots taking that flight down. If any crew member wanted to cause harm they could.
    Shoot we regularly have people with guns on the aircraft, air marshals, Leo’s and ffdo’s and if one of them snapped one day they could certainly do harm.
    TSA is extremely inconsistent, one city they tell us to use certain lines then in other cities they are asking why we aren’t using the very line we were told in a different city by tsa not to use.
    Most of these tsa agents are regular people, lower paid, not highly educated. I’ve seen grandpa working like it’s his second career to stay busy. I’m not attacking them personally but if you think they are some highly specialized person they are not. Many of them have very poor attitudes and that’s because they deal with people all day long and it’s not easy. CBP is a little different here but TSA is definitely a lot of entry level type people just looking at a x ray machine doing what they were trained, like robots.
    So, my take is it’s bull and going to cause more problems for everyone. If you really think flying is dangerous because of 9/11 then I would say there are a million other things besides that one and this is an unnecessary power grab by a government agency.

  16. Shonna Guest

    As a crew member it's disappointing to hear that KCM may be going away. It's not at all fair to the crew members who do the right thing. I say, take it from those who violate the policy, but don't penalize those of who do right.

  17. Fartin Luther King Jr. Guest

    I'm laughing my ass off at all of these angry flight attendants and pilots saying TSA shouldn't worry about drugs lol. They aren't looking for drugs but if they find you strapped up with bricks of coke and fentanyl they have to get police involved, you absolute morons.

    Are you mad that they aren't letting people smuggle drugs thru security? Let the security ppl stick to what they gotta do and you pilots can...

    I'm laughing my ass off at all of these angry flight attendants and pilots saying TSA shouldn't worry about drugs lol. They aren't looking for drugs but if they find you strapped up with bricks of coke and fentanyl they have to get police involved, you absolute morons.

    Are you mad that they aren't letting people smuggle drugs thru security? Let the security ppl stick to what they gotta do and you pilots can stick to being glorified bus drivers and you flight attendants can stick to being mobile vending machines.

    1. Not your average crew member Guest

      Spoken like a true dummy.
      What are you 10 years old kid. Oh you’re mad because the flight attendants never treat you right. Or maybe you can’t even afford to get on an airplane with decent crew members you have to take cheap spirit flights. Stay in your busted vehicle because I can tell by the way you type you’re a bum at best.

    2. Fartin Luther King Jr. Guest

      The way I type indicates that I'm a bum and have a busted vehicle? Good one. My grammar is literally better than yours so I'm not sure what point you're trying to make.

      Either way, you're a crewmember so you'd better get ready for work, you have peanuts to distribute.

    3. Rb Guest

      First of all your name makes you sound like a racist, secondly I don’t remember seeing any articles in approximately the last decade of any pilots smuggling drugs through security. This isn’t the 1980s anymore. There have been off duty flight attendant crew members busted on drugs recently, but by the Customs and Border Patrol, not the TSA. And not using the KCM line.

      If someone smuggles drugs or other prohibited items through security...

      First of all your name makes you sound like a racist, secondly I don’t remember seeing any articles in approximately the last decade of any pilots smuggling drugs through security. This isn’t the 1980s anymore. There have been off duty flight attendant crew members busted on drugs recently, but by the Customs and Border Patrol, not the TSA. And not using the KCM line.

      If someone smuggles drugs or other prohibited items through security or customs, bust them and prosecute, don’t completely attempt to re invent the wheel by punishing everyone. Next time you get on a flight that is cancelled or delayed because the crew can’t get through security in a timely fashion perhaps you will remember this .

  18. Joe Cardona Guest

    Have anyone seen how TSA Employees (as well as LEOs )gain access to the secured sterile areas of any of our nation's airports around the country? I have. And while I'm in line to be scanned throughout the KCM door, they just walk in without ID check. Some times 10 or 15 TSA screeners at the same time. They just walk all the way inside the secured area without being challenged or ID/Badge checked. That's...

    Have anyone seen how TSA Employees (as well as LEOs )gain access to the secured sterile areas of any of our nation's airports around the country? I have. And while I'm in line to be scanned throughout the KCM door, they just walk in without ID check. Some times 10 or 15 TSA screeners at the same time. They just walk all the way inside the secured area without being challenged or ID/Badge checked. That's right. I ever wondered what if one of these TSA screeners or even a LEO get jumped in the Employees parking lot or else where and their uniform stolen?. The perpetrator will gain access without a doubt because they're never checked as they walk in. Meanwhile I have to show my employer issued ID, plus scan a TSA issued barcode identifying me and a 2nd Government issued picture ID (a 3rd ID not in uniform). Didn't we all crewmembers provided the Agency with Fingerprints, ( They want new one's by next year 2023 ). Weren't we all background checked by FBI and other Federal Agencies to be issued this ID ? Doesn't my ID matches the same face and picture of myself in their laptop database? I agree some abuse the system and rules in place. Fine tuning of the program are very much in need but not just to our end, theirs (Government Screeners) too. Meanwhile with all this new increase of Random checks I've been bypassing KCM and just doing the regular line. No jumping in front of the line ( I always commute in polo shirts ). Wasting TSA time and resources that should be used with someone else. I'll be signed in and ready for work whenever.

  19. DSM Guest

    I am flight crew, and for all flight crew here talking about going to the end of the line, taking your sweet time to delay the flight, etc….you’ve got it wrong. Do exactly the opposite. Push through to the front each and every time you clear TSA. And I mean to the VERY front, all the way to the front of the belt. Wade through passengers and bags if you need to. Make sure you generate as many passenger complaints as you can!! Have a little fun with this!!!

    1. CHRIS Guest

      You've been intentionally disrupting things for years. Now you whong be able to smuggle drugs while doing it. Flight attendants are worthless.

    2. MC Guest

      Do you know how to build an LRBL at 17,500 feet ? You don't and that's ok because the flight attendants do. Flight attendants are first responders.....they are highly trained professionals....even if some refuse to acknowledge it. After-all, who you gonna call when the "center does not hold" at 35,000 feet? 911?

    3. CHRIS Guest

      I'll bet you're very good at stacking pillows and blankets around something you'll never find. Are you EOD now? Will you diffuse the bomb and save the day? Keep dreaming. "First responders" L.O.L. Cops, firefighters and paramedics are first responders. You have basic first aid. Which is handing out band-aids and pressing buttons on an AED....after the machine TELLS you to. You probably didn't pay too much attention to this class in training because you...

      I'll bet you're very good at stacking pillows and blankets around something you'll never find. Are you EOD now? Will you diffuse the bomb and save the day? Keep dreaming. "First responders" L.O.L. Cops, firefighters and paramedics are first responders. You have basic first aid. Which is handing out band-aids and pressing buttons on an AED....after the machine TELLS you to. You probably didn't pay too much attention to this class in training because you had 30 minutes sleep the night before because of the party/orgy but somehow managed to barely pass the multiple choice "test" anyway.
      You're about as much of a "first responder" as the senior citizen who greets people at Walmart. I'll bet you even flash your "first responder" wings at cops on traffic stops too. How do you call yourselves life savers when you routinely smuggle drugs which KILL people.
      Look, your job could be replaced by a cardboard sign with a red arrow painted on it...... and a vending machine.

    4. LCat Guest

      @CHRIS , whoa there boyfriend. Just because you hate your life and job doesn’t mean everybody else does. Ok, back to your BarcaLounger.

    5. Craig G jacobsen Guest

      Thats a great idea especially as we strip off all our jewelry, belts, shoes, food, drinks, and 6-pk for overnight!

    6. Renee Guest

      Hey, great idea thank you!

  20. Bryce Guest

    I don't really care if literally the whole crew, all my fellow passengers, and TSA are all smuggling drugs on every flight so long as I get where I'm headed. It's not my business what a person freely chooses to put in their own body...nor is it government's business. If there is to be no special consideration for a FA then there should be none for pilots. An average pilot makes what...under $200k at best....

    I don't really care if literally the whole crew, all my fellow passengers, and TSA are all smuggling drugs on every flight so long as I get where I'm headed. It's not my business what a person freely chooses to put in their own body...nor is it government's business. If there is to be no special consideration for a FA then there should be none for pilots. An average pilot makes what...under $200k at best. Any self respecting smuggler can take that on one flight, depending on what drug it is. TSA properly is strictly for managing terroristic threats.

  21. DEE Guest

    Recently I was behind a FA in line to go thru themetal detectors...SHe rang 4 times so they just said go thru no problem.. I was next and was told I need further screening tho I did not ring... told FA cannot be further screened so I have to be screened??? INSANE... makes NO sense to me...

  22. Dave Guest

    No problem. We will just have more delayed flights

  23. Scott Guest

    I'm a crew member and lately the random checks have increased to the point of ridiculous. Almost 80%. Put 10 crew members in a line, 8 will get random. A joke. Why even bother with KCM? At this point just shut it down and make a dedicated TSA precheck line for crew members only to help keep regular lines clear. I'm tired of regularly going to KCM and being told that I got random. Same as everyone in front of me.

  24. Drew Guest

    He clearly doesnt do this on the day yo day and sounds dumb.

    U want u crew late every morning sitting n tsa lines... Try it and cry later..

    The 2-3 FAs who messed it up eas on duty, so saying kcm off duty as a ban is dumb af ... Keyboard warrior..

    1. CHRIS Guest

      U must be u spirit employee yo shizzie fly attendant yo.

  25. KW Guest

    How many pilots have been caught smuggling? To the direct and accurate comment that newly minted Flight Attendants who don't have much of a career to lose and much to gain from smuggling.....I say if the resources are low then allow KCM for pilots only. Nobody is throwing away a pilot career for smuggling. How are these idiots not dumping it when tagged for random anyway??

  26. Kass Callahan Guest

    Not one employee for any airline or airport goes through security. Stop worrying about pilots in flight, attendants and worry about every other employee. Cleaners/agents/food vendors/cleaning crews/maintenance

    NO ONE

    1. NotPC18 Guest

      BS, airports like MIA and MCO all and I mean all employees entering the sterile or SIDA area of the airport are screened.

    2. Frank Malcomb Guest

      Thanks to the right wing gun nuts that can’t tell a difference between their flight bag and a range bag. So, let’s start by eliminating FA’s from KCM. I know that pilots also violate security procedures from time to time, but FA’s are in an entry level position with nothing to lose compared to a pilot. After X amount of time if (when) violations decrease, then just make KCM (or ECA) for pilots only.

  27. Natalie Guest

    As a flight attendant KCM is a privilege most of us highly respect… with air travel at an all time high to be sent thru regular screening will cause delays and many frustrations
    We have to submit to a background check to even have KCM.. it’s a shame a few bad incidents have to ruin this privilege…,so tired of the “public” thinking we are provided with so many nice benefits… we aren’t

    1. CHRIS Guest

      Your fellow drug smugglers "submitted backgrounds" top. Enjoy screening!

  28. JP Guest

    Please read this for the facts and not speculation or conjecture.

    https://www.afacwa.org/setting_record_straight_kcm_rumors?fbclid=IwAR2Jx6AzwBq_JTj471QFrQZST-hQzQNXJEa26tUuXbfKvLQLc_UNFuWuNzc

    1. Barb Guest

      My cousin is a flight attendant that flys internationally from South America to the United States. She'll sometimes get that friend who says, "Hey, can you take my nephew's laptop to the United States to that our friend over there can take it to get repaired/exchanged at the store where he bought it." Guess what? Sometimes there's contraband inside, and the well-meaning flight attendant had no idea.

  29. Angela Guest

    Everyone should be screened. We shouldn't put anything pass anybody.

    1. Drew Guest

      U idiot clearly dont do this for a living..

      I have an axe every leg i fly and u wanna screen me for a knife lol... U cant be this dumb!

    2. CHRIS Guest

      Too bad Clayton Osbon didn't have a gun and kill the fo right?

  30. Lee mulcahy Guest

    Completely disagree with you Ben. It’s simply a raw grab for power by a federal government already out of control and unable to operate under the Constitution.

  31. Fab Guest

    As a 121 passenger pilot, this would push me to go fly cargo, it would be too much of a hassle to go through normal security.

    1. CHRIS Guest

      It will be easier for you to smuggle drugs that way.

  32. Likeabird Guest

    Crewmembers are subject to a federal background check and fingerprinting as a result of 9/11. That, and the fact that pilots or flight attendants could threaten the safety of the flight, makes crewmembers unique. Flight attendants have the weapons they need readily available: cockpit access and a bottle of wine from the galley. Crewmembers are also subject to random inspection anywhere after security including onboard the aircraft before departure. So, what is even closer scrutiny...

    Crewmembers are subject to a federal background check and fingerprinting as a result of 9/11. That, and the fact that pilots or flight attendants could threaten the safety of the flight, makes crewmembers unique. Flight attendants have the weapons they need readily available: cockpit access and a bottle of wine from the galley. Crewmembers are also subject to random inspection anywhere after security including onboard the aircraft before departure. So, what is even closer scrutiny of crew trying to accomplish? Have new threats from crew been identified? I think this KCM change may be a solution in search of a problem.

  33. Paul at WN Guest

    Thanks to the A-holes that ruined this for all of us. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits!

  34. JS Guest

    A pilot with bad intentions could more easily overpower his crewmate with a weapon. There is no reason to trust flight attendants any more than any other trusted group, like police officers, travelers with security clearances, doctors or priests. Any employee, even a pilot, could be enlisted to smuggle a weapon into the secure area to be passed to someone else.

    Allowing anyone to bypass security is illogical and needs to stop.

    1. MC Guest

      Security is fine as long as they make it quick for working crew members......there isn't a pilot or flight attendant anywhere in the world who would be willing to wake-up 3 to 4 hours early on their already too short layovers.

  35. Rory Gilmore Guest

    Why is all the blame put on flight attendants? Pilots have repeatedly been caught bringing guns. In fact, there is at least one pilot sitting in jail in a foreign country because he “forgot” he had his gun.

    1. Dan Guest

      Can we talk about the Facebook group of Pilot Wives saying that their husbands bring their food and drinks and even wine in coffee tumblers…? The screenshot is going around. The blame is on BOTH PARTS

  36. Jane Guest

    It’s really an interesting take when you mention pilots don’t need to be screened as much. Because flight attendants would bring something to harm their day at work?
    Also, I would like to point out, that after speaking with multiple TSA supervisors, pilots were identified as the issues and are the reason for the increase in random screenings.

  37. Will Guest

    Flight attendants never should have been included. It’s ridiculous they were added to the program.

    1. MTG Guest

      Maybe pilots should stop bringing their guns to work. It’s not just flight attendants fault khaki pants and white sneakers boy.

    2. Hyytekk Guest

      Really Will? The flight cannot leave or even be boarded without a full compliment of FAA mandated cabin crew. If Will is a pilot, it only reinforces the often primadonma, elitist egos of many pilots. A 14 year old girl flew coast to coast solo, followed by her father, an airline captain in another plane. It's not rocket science. Get over yourselves.

  38. iamhere Guest

    Agree that the problem stems from flight attendants being able to use this as well as pilots. Pilots have much more to lose. Also allowing them to use this when they are off duty is the other problem. Perhaps the TSA services will improve if there are enough complaints from pilots and FAs as they way they treat some people is unacceptable. I'm sure many blog readers have stories of this to share.

    1. MC Guest

      Exactly Mr. DeKnob! Too bad a few more here can't grasp the insight you just provided for them. Maybe they'll finally get it when they miss a connection or two......maybe?

  39. Robin Guest

    Great, making the job even more miserable will help the pilot shortage

  40. Joe blow Guest

    You all realize that the ramp agents and TSA making $15-$20 an hour bypass all security and could put a bomb on a plane, but pilots and even flight attendants have to go through screening. The system is such a complete mess, and does nothing for safety. All such a joke…

  41. Joe blow Guest

    Just ban flight attendants from the program, done. They are the problem, not pilots…

    1. MC Guest

      .....and do what with the flight attendants? You seem to have a rather myopic view of the situation.

    2. Dan Guest

      Can we also ban the pilots who brought their guns, or the ones bringing their wives wine…? Check it out it’s in the Pilot Wives Page or on KrewRestKaren. Blame is on BOTH sides of the door. Ban the ones who broke the rules. Don’t just blame a work group. If you’ve not got anything productive to say, just focus on flying the plane.

  42. MC Guest

    There's always going to be a few who thwart the rules and get busted. But it's ridiculous to get rid of a program that seems to be working fairly good so far. BTW! An aircraft can board without a pilot......but not without the minimum crew of flight attendants..... and considering how long our duty days are, I don't know any flight attendants willing to leave their layover hotel a couple hours earlier. Trust me, they...

    There's always going to be a few who thwart the rules and get busted. But it's ridiculous to get rid of a program that seems to be working fairly good so far. BTW! An aircraft can board without a pilot......but not without the minimum crew of flight attendants..... and considering how long our duty days are, I don't know any flight attendants willing to leave their layover hotel a couple hours earlier. Trust me, they will do something about KCM.......and it will include all working crew members.

  43. Rambo Guest

    So, according to you, FAs need to go through security because of prohibited items and drugs.

    Also, according to you, pilots don't have to because "...." does this mean pilots can't do exactly what yiu allege FAs are doing? I guess it's impossible for them to smuggle something, even though that's NOT what it's for.

    1. MC Guest

      It does appear the supercilious author of this piece, pulled out his Medallion Card and showed it to the whole world......even if to mostly blame impoverished flight attendants for being drug mules?

  44. Nuke Guest

    Considering 90% of guns are not even found when the TSA is tested by other government agencies, I'm curious how they even manage to find guns or drugs on crewmembers. TSA really should be abolished.

    1. Anon Guest

      Where did you read that? TSA finds almost all guns. They are not the DEA and yet they end up finding ridiculous amounts of drugs usually because some idiot left a water bottle in the bag. TSA might not be perfect but I would rather have them then not.

  45. A flight attendant Guest

    I honestly don't give a flying beep about ending KCM. I stopped using it entirely for about 2 months now. I've got nothing to hide. Just give us a dedicated crew only lane. Not airport staff and crew check point. I hate skipping customers in line at general, CLEAR or precheck. Just give us our own lane already. Thank you. I need to hurry up to get to the plane all while not getting paid for it until that boarding door closes.

  46. Bon Guest

    Stupid. Let the pilots get through.

    1. MC Guest

      You really need to understand a few basics of airline travel. If you did, you wouldn't have made such an inept comment. Flights can board with/without pilots.....however, a flight cannot board without the flight attendants. Perhaps we should make it easy for flight attendants to get to the aircraft too? Without them, you're just an individual sitting in the gate area, getting angrier because your flight is delayed because the flight attendants are stuck in...

      You really need to understand a few basics of airline travel. If you did, you wouldn't have made such an inept comment. Flights can board with/without pilots.....however, a flight cannot board without the flight attendants. Perhaps we should make it easy for flight attendants to get to the aircraft too? Without them, you're just an individual sitting in the gate area, getting angrier because your flight is delayed because the flight attendants are stuck in security? Eh?

    2. Yes, I'm a FA ;) Guest

      You seem to be missing the point and just jumping on the offense instead. It's not about logistics. Hold your fellow flight attendants responsible for their actions. Flight attendants are consistently being found to bring prohibited items (including drugs, even though that's not what TSA is looking for) through KCM. They're the offenders over and over. Get mad at your (and my) own work group. Encourage your airline to be more stringent in hiring, join...

      You seem to be missing the point and just jumping on the offense instead. It's not about logistics. Hold your fellow flight attendants responsible for their actions. Flight attendants are consistently being found to bring prohibited items (including drugs, even though that's not what TSA is looking for) through KCM. They're the offenders over and over. Get mad at your (and my) own work group. Encourage your airline to be more stringent in hiring, join the hiring team. Work closely with your union or become a rep to improve work rules and pay at your airline to make respecting your job more appealing.

      And since you're so hung up on logistics, you should be able to comprehend that people in positions of need will more likely risk activities such as drug smuggling. And as you put it yourself, FAs are 'impoverished'. So they are more likely to risk their crap paying job (as stated in the article) to make big bucks very easily. But I guess let's just ignore those statistics and realities because you're offended by it.

  47. Jeffrey Hyde Guest

    Known Crewmember has been a wonderful privilege. Unfortunately, due to the dubious actions and agendas of a few, here we are.
    I'm a Flight Attendant for a major US Carrier and I've known of a few that have had privileges suspended for a year and of one who had her privileges permanently revoked. This was discipline issued by the carrier and documented by TSA.
    Other Airline Flight Attendants have told me that some...

    Known Crewmember has been a wonderful privilege. Unfortunately, due to the dubious actions and agendas of a few, here we are.
    I'm a Flight Attendant for a major US Carrier and I've known of a few that have had privileges suspended for a year and of one who had her privileges permanently revoked. This was discipline issued by the carrier and documented by TSA.
    Other Airline Flight Attendants have told me that some of their colleagues have been terminated for violating KCM policies.
    Hopefully, this is thought out carefully, or there will be delays because crewmembers will be held up at security checkpoints.

    1. CHRIS Guest

      There weren't "delays" before KCM. There won't be any after its gone. You were given a privilege and exploited it. Now its being taken away.

  48. Cee Guest

    First, crew members appreciate having a KCM check point. It is unfortunate that in 2023, the program may no longer exist for some. I say some because there are agents, pilots, and flights that don't clear security at all. They are picked up and dropped off from the ramp. Second, customers are always disappointed when a crew member steps to the front of a line. Nevertheless, we know it takes man power and probably effects...

    First, crew members appreciate having a KCM check point. It is unfortunate that in 2023, the program may no longer exist for some. I say some because there are agents, pilots, and flights that don't clear security at all. They are picked up and dropped off from the ramp. Second, customers are always disappointed when a crew member steps to the front of a line. Nevertheless, we know it takes man power and probably effects their bottom-line, to manage the check point. However, keep in mind it is not just F/A's who have been known to smuggle items or take advantage of the benefit.

  49. Alan Guest

    I’m flight crew @ ORD. Airport employees (not only flight crew) who drive & park in the employee lot are able to access the secure side of the airport without going through any security. They are dropped off @ the secure side of the terminal.

  50. Bob deKnob Guest

    A lot of money from pilot dues was spent by the Air Line Pilots Association to help get the Known Crew Member program going.
    1) It’s pretty insulting to trash the time & money spent.
    2) You want to make the people who cross umpteen timezones for your safety stand around like the rest of you cheap cattle car bovines, watch crews take their sweet time at the back of the two hour...

    A lot of money from pilot dues was spent by the Air Line Pilots Association to help get the Known Crew Member program going.
    1) It’s pretty insulting to trash the time & money spent.
    2) You want to make the people who cross umpteen timezones for your safety stand around like the rest of you cheap cattle car bovines, watch crews take their sweet time at the back of the two hour line to get through security. Don’t worry about that connecting flight in Denver thanks. It ain’t gonna happen…

    1. MC Guest

      Exactly Mr. DeKnob! Too bad a few more here can't grasp the insight you just provided for them. Maybe they'll finally get it when they miss a connection or two......maybe?

    2. CHRIS Guest

      Cry for us. I'll actually enjoy watching you go through security and whining about it.

  51. M. CEEST Guest

    When you are selected for random, at Denver for instance, you are told to go to random screening. You walk on your own to TSA Pre and wait in line with everyone else. The real issue is if you wanted to smuggle something, you would just throw it away if you got random or give it to someone else to try to take it through. The random serves NO purpose, except harassment UNLESS TSA would...

    When you are selected for random, at Denver for instance, you are told to go to random screening. You walk on your own to TSA Pre and wait in line with everyone else. The real issue is if you wanted to smuggle something, you would just throw it away if you got random or give it to someone else to try to take it through. The random serves NO purpose, except harassment UNLESS TSA would escort you directly to screening. I'm guessing there are very few prohibited items discovered during random screening. Why would there be when you can dump whatever you are smuggling or take it to your car? I don't know if a single checkpoint which excorts you directly to screening. Just dump your item, go though screening, exit security and you are reset to try again. It truly serves no purpose, even as a deterrent.

  52. Common Sense Guest

    The REAL problem is that airline management, in conjunction with the FA unions, basically hire anyone with a "pulse" to be a Flight Attendant. If they increased the requirements - say you have to have a 2 year degree -- an EMT license, etc. - you would really have more "professionals" and those are less likely to abuse the system. But of course, they would have to pay them more. Today's airline management and unions...

    The REAL problem is that airline management, in conjunction with the FA unions, basically hire anyone with a "pulse" to be a Flight Attendant. If they increased the requirements - say you have to have a 2 year degree -- an EMT license, etc. - you would really have more "professionals" and those are less likely to abuse the system. But of course, they would have to pay them more. Today's airline management and unions only care that the males can wear the female uniforms, makeup, tattoos, or fingernail polish, because it keeps the "price down". Standards - out the window.

    1. Susan Garrett Guest

      That is completely wrong! I’m a 37-year flight attendant with bachelors and masters degrees. I love my job and certainly contribute more than just having a pulse. How insulting! Susan Hollis Garrett

  53. A Concerned Flight Attendant Guest

    I think the KCM program is complete bullshit. Most crew have known for YEARS NOW that the TSA has done a piss-poor job of screening. Instead of addressing their mess, they are looking to SHOW how they are making changes to "Protect the public" by using us crew as an example. In short, TSA KNOWS that multiple airline crew will push back, making noise that will DEFINITELY generate the news they need to remain relevant...

    I think the KCM program is complete bullshit. Most crew have known for YEARS NOW that the TSA has done a piss-poor job of screening. Instead of addressing their mess, they are looking to SHOW how they are making changes to "Protect the public" by using us crew as an example. In short, TSA KNOWS that multiple airline crew will push back, making noise that will DEFINITELY generate the news they need to remain relevant when it comes to their jobs. They are using crew screening issues to say, "Hey - we're doing a great job!" in order to get funding for another 10 years, when...in fact, they are not. It has been a shit-show forever at many airports (I'll site a few problem locations: EWR is #1- their KCM NEVER WORKS, forcing Crew to the regular (oh I'm sorry) -
    "TSA PRE-CHECK" line where most do not have to remove their shoes or take laptops out of bags - yay. ORD uses outdated screening methods that are so medieval, I am guessing someone up top is pocketing government funding in lieu of updating their screening methods at this locale. Once a gangster town.... always a gangster town - starting at the top down (with the exclusion of The Obamas - they were the major good that ever came out of Chicago). #3 is DEN - they do a secondary screening where they swipe the crew member's hands and test the swab in a machine. (a handful of others choose to use this out-dated screening method from time to time because they STILL consider it to be an accepted method of secondary screening!!!) The outdated machines are looking for glycerine - a primary agent in bombs of the past. NEWSFLASH: Most hand creams that flight attendants use (#1 preferred product by F/A's is "WORKING HANDS") have glycerine at the VERY TOP of the ingredients list. Yeah - I have been strip searched after a hand swipe - just because I made the mistake of applying a hand moisturizer prior to going through screening.). I could list 100 - 200 more issues that are problematic with this system... but I am truly hoping you'll get the point of why I think our screening system is broken. What am I hoping to accomplish by sharing this information? At most: I would like to be seen as a whistle blower. One who will force change for the better. Things do NOT get fixed until the agency in question is FORCED into a state of change. Things have gotten so bad, I am ready for a fight. We are talking CLASS ACTION lawsuits for piss-poor treatment of crew. We are talking IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE. Our world has changed. It is time that "whoever takes over screening" looks at us (all) as individuals. If you are a crew member who, even ONCE, brought a firearm illegally to work, you should be randomly screened for LIFE (even if you only did it once). If your crew-member record is SPOTLESS, your random screening should be much much less. The MANY should not be punished, just because of the FEW. I am prepared to share more, IF the system does not change. The current system is broken beyond repair at the moment. Yes, I am furious. Yes, I demand change. I WILL share my information when the time is right - IF things do not get better for us working crew who - HAVE ALREADY - been put through multiple screening processes to ensure we were safe enough to serve the public on an aircraft. Thank you for listening to ALL my pain points.

    1. CHRIS Guest

      "Strip searched" When you fabricate, you lose all credibility.

  54. Ric Guest

    Like other airline workers don’t use a SIDA badge and go through another entrance. As if trucks and other merchandise don’t come through to be sold at airport property…. At least flight attendants have to meet some kind of standards and have a lot to lose. Waiters, food services and others, including TSA workers who make minimum wage and have a thankless job, not so much.

  55. Shelby Guest

    When all of the flights are getting delayed, people will be wishing KCM was back. Imagine having to go through security and adding extra unpaid time to your job every time you went to work. No one would do it. Punish those that broke the rule. You also clearly don’t know what you’re talking about if you’re suggesting to not screen pilots. How classist of you to assume that they wouldn’t also try smuggling drugs,...

    When all of the flights are getting delayed, people will be wishing KCM was back. Imagine having to go through security and adding extra unpaid time to your job every time you went to work. No one would do it. Punish those that broke the rule. You also clearly don’t know what you’re talking about if you’re suggesting to not screen pilots. How classist of you to assume that they wouldn’t also try smuggling drugs, if not for the money then simply for the power and because they can.

    1. CHRIS Guest

      What 5, 10 minutes tops?

  56. AkD Guest

    TSA never figured it out, who screens TSA agents? They just flash their ID and in they go to the secure area. Who is to say they can't hand off drugs or weapons. Duh

  57. Nik Guest

    I fly for an international freight airline. I haven't been randomed by TSA, ever! The ones at my company who seem to be on a regular basis are the same ones complaining to the union all the time, whining all night long about this that and the other. They also wear wrinkled dirty uniforms and look about as professional as the Bad News Bears.

    I show up clean shaven, fresh haircut, pressed uniform and...

    I fly for an international freight airline. I haven't been randomed by TSA, ever! The ones at my company who seem to be on a regular basis are the same ones complaining to the union all the time, whining all night long about this that and the other. They also wear wrinkled dirty uniforms and look about as professional as the Bad News Bears.

    I show up clean shaven, fresh haircut, pressed uniform and a smile. Say hello to people and ask them how they are doing. If they want to look in my bag, no problem. I then thank them. Basically, cooperate and graduate.

    For those passengers saying we are using a program that they are paying for. Or that they pay for TSA and we don't because of ticket fees. That is incorrect, KCM has an annual fee usually paid for by the union, company, or individual flight crew members - depending on the company. Additionally, many of us fly the airlines as passengers with a ticket to get to/from home or the aircraft.

  58. Carrie Gold

    Am I not mistaken, but in many other parts of the world, do the pilots and FAs not just simply present to the front of the general security queues?

    1. M. CEEST Guest

      Yes, you generally go to a crew line or the front of the regular line or a separate crew security line, but you Always go the the scanner as does your luggage. Full screening.

    2. Jcp Guest

      I was impressed with KCM at SFO the other day. I got secondary screening and they did it right there at the crew line (which they do in other countries) they just wipe your hands and suitcase and test it. Done

    3. Shesjetlagd Guest

      That is not correct. There is a dedicated crew line in every country and some countries have a system very similar to kcm where crew members are chosen randomly to be screened.

  59. Karen Guest

    “Blame it on the flight attendants, but oh the pilots wouldn't try to smuggle anything.” Then to say the flight attendants can make a few runs and make their salary. This entire article was a joke and seemed more demeaning than informative. Instead it should focus on how TSA has become more relaxed and lazy at doing their jobs and are short staffed and dont have officers to man the KCM station so everytime someone...

    “Blame it on the flight attendants, but oh the pilots wouldn't try to smuggle anything.” Then to say the flight attendants can make a few runs and make their salary. This entire article was a joke and seemed more demeaning than informative. Instead it should focus on how TSA has become more relaxed and lazy at doing their jobs and are short staffed and dont have officers to man the KCM station so everytime someone gets randomed they are throwing a pissy fit about having to walk over. They also let a passenger through a week ago with a razor blade. The attention is directed at the wrong people.

  60. Tim Guest

    So tell me. How many pounds of illegal drugs have TSA agents detected and confiscated since their inception?

    Zero??? Uh huh. But now they’re gonna stop flight attendants from trafficking in fentanyl.

    Got it.

  61. SMR Guest

    KCM should be 100% allowed for pilots… there is a MASSIVE difference in career terms and pay between pilots and FA’s. What an absolute joke that anyone thinks there is any benefit at all to safety to screen pilots at TSA checkpoints. Security is an illusion … there is no reason to subject those flying the airplane to TSA checks. Get ready for crew members to be cutting in front of you everywhere ! We...

    KCM should be 100% allowed for pilots… there is a MASSIVE difference in career terms and pay between pilots and FA’s. What an absolute joke that anyone thinks there is any benefit at all to safety to screen pilots at TSA checkpoints. Security is an illusion … there is no reason to subject those flying the airplane to TSA checks. Get ready for crew members to be cutting in front of you everywhere ! We do get front of the line access. Someone just got on an aircraft with a box cutter and attempted to attach someone with it but let’s see how many pilots making great money are willing to risk their lives and careers as drug smugglers. Flight attendants should have a probationary period and then allowed in as well. They should absolutely profile crew members for randoms but right now they are sending crews through regular lines 50% of the time.

    I don’t know if any pilots who have been caught in the USA smuggling drugs.

    Thank you to the wonderful TSA for wasting everyone’s time and making the lives of hard working crew members harder while decreasing safety at the same time.

    1. SO Sick of it Guest

      Interesting SMR? Please remember you said this when YOU have a medical emergency or a “general emergency” (ie. lost an engine, no hydraulics, a decompression, or worse) onboard your next flight and YOU need the assistance of a Flight Attendant to save your life or that of a loved one! “Career term” differences may be different in your eyes, but it’s all in the eye of the beholder & YOU don’t determine VALUE or WORTH!...

      Interesting SMR? Please remember you said this when YOU have a medical emergency or a “general emergency” (ie. lost an engine, no hydraulics, a decompression, or worse) onboard your next flight and YOU need the assistance of a Flight Attendant to save your life or that of a loved one! “Career term” differences may be different in your eyes, but it’s all in the eye of the beholder & YOU don’t determine VALUE or WORTH! Are you absolutely certain you’d like to demean the ONLY people trained (and willing) on an aircraft at 40,000 ft. to do WHATEVER is necessary to save your sorry butt? Because, trust me, the pilots won’t be the ones to help! I promise you that! Regardless of the circumstances? That is exactly what Flight Attendants do-every single day! On top of missing birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, special occasions etc. all while putting up with ATTITUDES & MINDSETS from people like you! They set their feelings aside and DO the right thing when the chips are down!
      Instead of punishing Flight Attendants (who seem to be blamed for SO MUCH & historically are never at fault - Ive done the deep dive research), why don’t we put the emphasis on the truly broken system, the TSA - aka. GOVERNMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!

  62. Alex Guest

    There should be employee TSA entrance, no sense of having crews who show up last minute, which is understandable not having an employee entrance. They will interfere with Clear, TSA Pre and just squeeze in again and create even more frustration, plus they don’t pay for TSA checks but PAX do.

  63. dan tana Guest

    TSA is out of control...their job is to prevent a 9-11...but today they are covid mask enforcers, DEA agents, uniform police etc etc...KCM was paid for and pushed in by ALPA with alpa dues...the F/A's got in for free and ruined it. EVEN with FULL KCM we constantly have to go thru full passenger screening because some airports have NO KCM or limited hours. Requiring pilots to meet the same filter as a passenger or FA is silly...look what happened at German Wings A320

    1. Ricky Peepee Guest

      Imagine getting upeset that people smuggling narcotics are getting caught.

      TSA doesn't screen for drugs. But if they find drugs they have to alert authorities. Are you mad that they didn't let them go? Is the little baby upset that he can't go thru KCM cause his coworkers got busted smuggling drugs? Boohoo.

      And TSA doesn't enforce mask mandates anymore, and when they did it was because they had to follow the directive of The...

      Imagine getting upeset that people smuggling narcotics are getting caught.

      TSA doesn't screen for drugs. But if they find drugs they have to alert authorities. Are you mad that they didn't let them go? Is the little baby upset that he can't go thru KCM cause his coworkers got busted smuggling drugs? Boohoo.

      And TSA doesn't enforce mask mandates anymore, and when they did it was because they had to follow the directive of The federal government.

      Stay mad, enjoy going through the security checkpoint.

      Love, a TSO

    2. Pilot pete Guest

      I have a problem with the guy with the neck tattoo making $18 bucks an hour that moves in and out of security without a second look telling me, a retired army officer with a top secret security clearance that I need more scrutiny. If I need to go through the line, the smurfs need to go through the line too

    3. CHRIS Guest

      That's because you unhinged exmilitary guys are a threat. The neck tattoo guy isn't.

    4. Dan Guest

      You also are aware that pilots have had their fair share of violations with kcm too, right?

  64. Flyer1 Guest

    So many of these comments are quite entertaining. My favorite is from all these so called pilots . So easy to tell some of you are not actually pilots because you know nothing about the crew procedures. I’ll go easy on the guy that said he was a cargo pilot. You don’t have flight attendants so have no special procedures during flight. For all these keyboard cowboys, do you actually know how to Google? I...

    So many of these comments are quite entertaining. My favorite is from all these so called pilots . So easy to tell some of you are not actually pilots because you know nothing about the crew procedures. I’ll go easy on the guy that said he was a cargo pilot. You don’t have flight attendants so have no special procedures during flight. For all these keyboard cowboys, do you actually know how to Google? I just love how every flight attendant in the World is a drug smuggler and pilots have never been arrested for anything. HAAAA!!! I’ll start with the Germanwing pilot. Anybody else want to guess how many pilots have gone to federal prison for such crimes as murder? The folks that said let’s punish those that break the rules are the only ones that have common sense. I’m not very worried about KCM going bye bye. Most airports have crew only lines and if they don’t we’re allowed to walk to front of line while in uniform. A few extra minutes of my time isn’t going to matter that much. The plane won’t be leaving without me as long as I inform schedule that I’m in the airport.

  65. David Guest

    The people being caught with contraband are both flight attendants and pilots. It would make better sense to just have a baggage scanner at each KCM checkpoint but eliminate the need to X-ray scan our bodies. Also a lot of airports, like Ohare, don’t require ground crew to go through security check points. This whole system is a mess now and it’s not only hurting crew members, but it will hurt passengers that have paid...

    The people being caught with contraband are both flight attendants and pilots. It would make better sense to just have a baggage scanner at each KCM checkpoint but eliminate the need to X-ray scan our bodies. Also a lot of airports, like Ohare, don’t require ground crew to go through security check points. This whole system is a mess now and it’s not only hurting crew members, but it will hurt passengers that have paid for TSA pre check to now have to wait for countless crews to go ahead of them.

    1. Jose Guest

      Actually ALL flight attendant and pilots are required to scan our badge and it's mandatory. I would love to see the upcoming changes on the program since I'm currently a flight attendant.

  66. Laura Guest

    I think they should give a hefty fine and take away the privilege from the individual who couldn’t follow the rules. Maybe that would deter them?

    1. SMR Guest

      Sold! But there is no common sense in the system. This is exactly why you don’t want the US government telling you how to live your life or what’s good for you. They are a clueless bunch of goons.

  67. Ricky Peepee Guest

    I'm a TSA officer and I'm glad KCM is ending. The sense of entitlement from flight attendants and especially pilots is wild. KCM is a privilege, not a right. It didnt always exist. The nerve of some of yall who give us an attitude when you get the random.

    I guarantee if you're a flight attendant reading this you've said "oF cOuRsE I diD!" after being told you got a random. Tell your coworkers...

    I'm a TSA officer and I'm glad KCM is ending. The sense of entitlement from flight attendants and especially pilots is wild. KCM is a privilege, not a right. It didnt always exist. The nerve of some of yall who give us an attitude when you get the random.

    I guarantee if you're a flight attendant reading this you've said "oF cOuRsE I diD!" after being told you got a random. Tell your coworkers to stop trying to smuggle drugs and guns. The last incident of the FA caught smuggling fentanyl in SF because they got the random at KCM and got caught at the security checkpoint was the final nail in the coffin for KCM.

    Yall fucked around and found out.

    1. David Guest

      It’s fine. When flights get delayed or passengers miss their flights because the TSA already can’t keep up with their normal shit…

    2. Ricky Peepee Guest

      Lmao you think I care about wait times and passenger volume? I get paid by the hour, not per passenger.

    3. Jose Guest

      That is actually the reason why some of us Flight attendant give attitude when random, not for the process itself but for the attitude of lots of like you who you can tell from far that don't care about either passenger of Flights.

    4. Juan pablo Guest

      I am sorry to say but sometimes FA and Pilot take advantage of the KCM and sorry to say these but sometimes you also show up late to flights when getting coffee. I am a passenger and one day I saw how nasty attitude you get to tsa for random checks. Sorry the rule applies if you don't like it then leave.

    5. Ricky Peepee Guest

      Never said I don't care about the passenger. Learn to comprehend what I'm saying. I said I'm not concerned with passenger volume or wait times.

      We do not speed up the security process because it's busy. That only causes issues. Worrying about wait times and passenger volume is what our management is for.

    6. Fuck smurfs Guest

      You idiots change the security process based on whether or not crew have a certain shirt on. You’re a bunch of loser clowns. That’s why you’re smurfs.

    7. Steve Guest

      As a frequent flyer I’ve received far more attitude from FA’s them I ever have from TSA. believe it or not your not nearly as important as you would like to think you are.

    8. Lee mulcahy Guest

      The TSA is just theater of the absurd (95% fail rate*) . It gets Americans used to standing in line while goons grope you - welcome to our increasing police state. * link https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/02/411423341/head-of-tsa-reassigned-after-tests-reveal-security-failures

    9. CHRIS Guest

      Were there massive delays BEFORE KCM?

    10. dan tana Guest

      you tsa guys are clueless...spend a day in ben gurion airport (TLV) and learn what it takes to prevent a 9-11

    11. Karen Guest

      Its not entitlement. Its simply aggravation when you have to wait on a slow ass employee bus then drag your bag to security and here an offer say “You wanna try your luck” with a dumb ass grin on their face. Then go deal with management messaging and calling asking why your late to the gate because you got a random search and your flight is 3 terminals away. Then you have to listen to...

      Its not entitlement. Its simply aggravation when you have to wait on a slow ass employee bus then drag your bag to security and here an offer say “You wanna try your luck” with a dumb ass grin on their face. Then go deal with management messaging and calling asking why your late to the gate because you got a random search and your flight is 3 terminals away. Then you have to listen to passengers complain and ask why your late. Thats why why have an attitude, but when the government stopped paying yall we were some of the first work groups trying to see what we could do to help yall out.

    12. Debbie Guest

      I'm a 44 year flight attendant. The majority of flight attendants and pilots follow the rules. So, like with just about everything else good, a few ruin it for the majority. You, Mr "peepee" sound as though you already have a preconceived notion about flight attendants and are lumping us all together. "Y'all fucked around and found out". Real professional comment on your part. I think that the best solution is to permanently revoke the...

      I'm a 44 year flight attendant. The majority of flight attendants and pilots follow the rules. So, like with just about everything else good, a few ruin it for the majority. You, Mr "peepee" sound as though you already have a preconceived notion about flight attendants and are lumping us all together. "Y'all fucked around and found out". Real professional comment on your part. I think that the best solution is to permanently revoke the KCM privilege from the offenders. And not punish the rest of us.

    13. A flight attendant Guest

      The ones working the KCM check point are the laziest ones. It's the easiest post. why would it bother you what our reactions are? Do you know how early we have to arrive to be on time and not get paid?

    14. Bob deKnob Guest

      Goose step much Herr Pee Brain? When you’re randomly checked five or six times in a row, it’s easy to cop a ‘tude. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back groping children in no time.

    15. Shesjetlagd Guest

      Seriously??? Our frustration has absolutely nothing to do with entitlement. And nothing to do with YOU! While you have no idea what it’s like going through security as many times as we do with our heavy bag, etc, as many times as we do, it is actually quite frustrating to walk up to kcm and be ‘randomed’ 2/3 of the time. Yes, we expect, when we get to kcm that we will just be able...

      Seriously??? Our frustration has absolutely nothing to do with entitlement. And nothing to do with YOU! While you have no idea what it’s like going through security as many times as we do with our heavy bag, etc, as many times as we do, it is actually quite frustrating to walk up to kcm and be ‘randomed’ 2/3 of the time. Yes, we expect, when we get to kcm that we will just be able to walk through and it is a disappointment when we can’t. Maybe you should check YOUR attitude!

    16. Ricky Peepee Guest

      Goood good. Let the hate flow through you.
      Stay mad, everyone. Your anger and frustration brings me joy. I wish I could taste the tears of your unfathomable sadness.

  68. Heather Guest

    KCM is beneficial when not abused. Flight crews already have to arrive hours before their flight and are not even getting paid. Imagine having to wait in a security up to 3 hours when you already have to show up 1-2 hours beforehand.

    1. Alan Guest

      Hours? I’m a F/A. We are required to sign in at latest 1 hr before departure.

  69. MD Guest

    The smuggling will just end up moving to the SIDA badge holders.
    SIDA badge holder to carry it into the sterile area then give to the FA for delivery - many SIDA badge holders make less than FAs with easy entry into a position as long as they have a clean-ish background.

  70. Elizabeth Mccrimmon Guest

    As a Flight Attendant I support keeping it for the pilots. Their union fought for this they should be allowed to keep it.

    1. Jose Guest

      I'm also a flight attendant and I don't know about that since it looks like you're happy with arriving an extra couple hours even before your report time at the gate.

    2. Juan pablo Guest

      Jose stop your dammm complaining. You don't like your job and you feel so miserable at it. Then quit and go work somewhere else.

  71. Elizabeth Mccrimmon Guest

    Are they really catching crew members with drugs? What’s the data? What else are they catching?

    1. Toby Varsaci Guest

      Yes they're catching fas with drugs.

    2. dan Guest

      who cares..I pay TSA people out of my taxes to keep a 9-11 from happening again. If TSA focuses on looking for illegal drugs then my security on a jet is at risk...

  72. Ron Guest

    The problem is flight attendants abusing KCM. Pilots should still be able to have KCM. Let’s not forget is was started by ALPA for pilots.

    1. Jennifer Guest

      Nope, AFA, was also involved in the lobbying for KCM, all crew members or none. Pilots are not more trustworthy than flight attendants and should not be given more special privileges than their fellow crew members. It takes all of us to to fly passengers.

    2. Sarah Guest

      What? Flight attendants and pilots are not similar in importance or security.

      Pilots are not easily replaced, flight attendants are. Pilots have a lot more to lose (significant investment in their career, inability to easily switch to a different field with similar compensation, licenses, etc) than flight attendants do. If the pilots on a flight become incapacitated, the lives of everyone on board are jeopardized; if the flight attendants become incapacitated, it is a...

      What? Flight attendants and pilots are not similar in importance or security.

      Pilots are not easily replaced, flight attendants are. Pilots have a lot more to lose (significant investment in their career, inability to easily switch to a different field with similar compensation, licenses, etc) than flight attendants do. If the pilots on a flight become incapacitated, the lives of everyone on board are jeopardized; if the flight attendants become incapacitated, it is a relatively minor inconvenience unlikely to result in any sort of injury to anyone.

      I am not trying to disparage flight attendants, of course they are important … but they are not the same as pilots and there are multiple rational grounds for distinguishing between them. The fact that some flight attendants may feel differently does not change reality.

    3. Just another pilot Guest

      The vast majority of flight attendants are dedicated professionals, but unfortunately there have been too many examples in the news of flight attendants trying to smuggle drugs through KCM. The simple reality is that pilots have FAR more to lose than flight attendants if they risk their career at a KCM checkpoint, and therefore they deserve a higher level of trust. If you disagree, go get your Airline Pilot Certificate and 1500 hours of flight...

      The vast majority of flight attendants are dedicated professionals, but unfortunately there have been too many examples in the news of flight attendants trying to smuggle drugs through KCM. The simple reality is that pilots have FAR more to lose than flight attendants if they risk their career at a KCM checkpoint, and therefore they deserve a higher level of trust. If you disagree, go get your Airline Pilot Certificate and 1500 hours of flight time and compare that with the job requirements to become a flight attendant, and then tell me who is more likely to risk their career at a KCM checkpoint.

    4. MC Guest

      Thank you Jennifer for the info. Unfortunately, too many folks don't realize or even care that flight attendants are safety professionals. After-all, in an emergency at 35,000-feet, calling 911 isn't going to save you......but the flight attendants just might? But only if you're nice.

    5. Jose Guest

      Funny how you said that it's the flight attendants when I can tell because I actually work as a flight attendant that just last month a PILOT went through KCM with a loaded weapon that he should have declared.

    6. Shane Guest

      Who cares if a pilot brings a gun onto a plane. Not only does he have an axe under his seat, but he could simply crash the plane.

    7. Shesjetlagd Guest

      Please stop blaming flight attendants! Pilots were the ones most often caught with a firearm in their bag. Get your facts straight!

  73. Zac Guest

    I'm just here to drop a +1 for TPA.

  74. Misty Guest

    My concern for flight attendants would be the TSA liquid limits. Flight attendants (mostly female) live out of their suitcases for several days at a time and wouldn't be feasible to check their bags just for health and beauty products (make-up, shampoo, etc), not counting the amount of food that FA's are allowed to pack in their travel cooler (again, several days of food are packed in those coolers) FA's are background checked and it's...

    My concern for flight attendants would be the TSA liquid limits. Flight attendants (mostly female) live out of their suitcases for several days at a time and wouldn't be feasible to check their bags just for health and beauty products (make-up, shampoo, etc), not counting the amount of food that FA's are allowed to pack in their travel cooler (again, several days of food are packed in those coolers) FA's are background checked and it's an honor system just like Global Entry and Pre-Check, you're screened as to if you can be a "trusted traveler".

    1. Elizabeth Mccrimmon Guest

      Stay in your uniform you won’t have that problem.

    2. Dave Guest

      The current limits are arbitrary and nearly meaningless.

  75. Lori jones Guest

    Since they have random and say catch someone doing something illegal make that individual go through the whole security process instead of punishing all of us?

  76. Donna Diamond

    Agree, the pilots should be exempt.

  77. Trey Guest

    Flight Attendant here.

    The bad apples have ruined a great privilege for the masses.

  78. Mark D Guest

    I am a U.S. airline pilot, and while disappointing, this development was not unexpected. The KCM program was initially developed by ALPA, FOR PILOTS. When it was in this form, there were virtually no problems. When it was expanded to include flight attendants, we almost immediately saw issues developing. When the JetBlue flight attendant in LAX got caught with cocaine shortly after F/A’s were included in the program, we all saw the writing on the...

    I am a U.S. airline pilot, and while disappointing, this development was not unexpected. The KCM program was initially developed by ALPA, FOR PILOTS. When it was in this form, there were virtually no problems. When it was expanded to include flight attendants, we almost immediately saw issues developing. When the JetBlue flight attendant in LAX got caught with cocaine shortly after F/A’s were included in the program, we all saw the writing on the wall. If the program went back to its origins, it would work fine, but the authorities are far too politically correct to exclude just one problem group, so now we all get to suffer for their sins.

    1. Jose Guest

      I do agree that some Flight Attendants have ruined it a lot by doing wrong but if they cancel the program and don't provide an alternative you'll see the number of Flight Attendants dropping drastically because none of us would go stand for 3-4 hours in TSA and then at the gate without getting paid. Plus I would love to see you pilots sitting in the cockpit waiting for 2 hours without being able to board.

    2. kudos Guest

      You guys walk right up to the front of the queue. What are you talking about 3-4 hours waiting? Did you mean minutes? That has never happened at any US domestic airport.

    3. CHRIS Guest

      I dont think there was EVER a 3-4 HOUR security line....except maybe right after 9/11 or perhaps a few times in AMS over the summer. You ruined this for yourselves.
      Besides should you be focusing your energy on more important things like fighting the company to allow male FAs to wear blouses and heels!

  79. Anon Pilot Guest

    If you look at the Number of incidents that are occurring, the majority, are all flight attendants. Flight attendants do not have as much to loose as a pilot. Pilots have years and $100,000 plus dollars invested in this career. Flight attendants have 2 months of training. I know that this isn't going to be a popular suggestion, but let take the flight attendants out of the program and let the pilots have the program....

    If you look at the Number of incidents that are occurring, the majority, are all flight attendants. Flight attendants do not have as much to loose as a pilot. Pilots have years and $100,000 plus dollars invested in this career. Flight attendants have 2 months of training. I know that this isn't going to be a popular suggestion, but let take the flight attendants out of the program and let the pilots have the program. It was thought up and the Airline pilots Union and not he Flight attendants union.

    1. Mark D Guest

      Completely agree. The statistics don’t lie

  80. FA Guest

    That’s fine. Your flight will be delayed while we get screened. And no you’re not getting a credit.

    1. Steve Guest

      What? You can’t be responsible enough to be to work on time?

  81. ted poco Guest

    since most smuggling takes place internationally, why doesn’t immigration have people go through machines when entering the US?

  82. Warren Trout Guest

    The TSA is a SECURITY SCREENING AGENCY not the DEA.

    That being said, as a retired airline pilot, what business is it of the TSA. Why not stop all cars on the highway and search for drugs? It's not one bit different.

    1. Tim Dunn Diamond

      I'm sorry but I simply do not want to allow anyone to be able to conduct any illegal activity via aviation; the drug crisis in the US is horrific and anyone that wants to protect their personal privileges to allow someone else to profit and kill others should simply not have those privileges. If being a part of a society with all of its problems is too much, there is no TSA screening for general...

      I'm sorry but I simply do not want to allow anyone to be able to conduct any illegal activity via aviation; the drug crisis in the US is horrific and anyone that wants to protect their personal privileges to allow someone else to profit and kill others should simply not have those privileges. If being a part of a society with all of its problems is too much, there is no TSA screening for general aviation.

      US law is pretty clear that there is a legal basis for referring a suspected violator of US law to the appropriate law enforcement agency once there is a reasonable suspicious that arises out of a legitimate and legal search - which the TSA security process is.

    2. R Pilot Guest

      NO. The TSA screening is NOT there to catch drug smugglers. It is only there to prevent security threats to aviation, originally hijacking then terrorist attacks. Again, NOT for drug enforcement.

    3. Tim Dunn Diamond

      and when people are searched - which IS part of the security screening process - then there is a legitimate NECESSITY to escalate something that is illegally found to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
      Again, the TSA doesn't handle drug cases but if they do even random checks and find something that is illegal, they are going to refer it to local or federal police.

      Packages large enough to smuggle a sufficient quantity of...

      and when people are searched - which IS part of the security screening process - then there is a legitimate NECESSITY to escalate something that is illegally found to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
      Again, the TSA doesn't handle drug cases but if they do even random checks and find something that is illegal, they are going to refer it to local or federal police.

      Packages large enough to smuggle a sufficient quantity of drugs show up on X-rays or via manual searches.

      That is simply the way it works in every part of society.

      You are barking up the wrong tree and won't win your argument by saying that any part fo society should ignore illegal activity because it might inconvenience you.

      If you don't like going through security, then commercial aviation is not the right job for you.

    4. CHRIS Guest

      So drugs should be allowed? Are you worried that they might find the child porn that you regularly travel with now that you'll be going through security more often?

    5. R H Guest

      Legally, TSA searches are on thin ice with respect to the 4th Amendment. They are "consensual" in name only, and that bending of the usual prohibition of unwarranted search is justified only because their primary purpose is to stop terrorists from taking weapons onto planes. The more that original mission is replaced by "catch and imprison people carrying contraband" the less it makes sense to ignore the protections afforded under the Fourth.

      The protection from...

      Legally, TSA searches are on thin ice with respect to the 4th Amendment. They are "consensual" in name only, and that bending of the usual prohibition of unwarranted search is justified only because their primary purpose is to stop terrorists from taking weapons onto planes. The more that original mission is replaced by "catch and imprison people carrying contraband" the less it makes sense to ignore the protections afforded under the Fourth.

      The protection from unwarranted searching isn't about protecting people carrying contraband. It's about protecting those who aren't from the delays and damage caused by the searches. And those are not small. If the average traveller's time is worth $30 per hour, then an extra 20 minute delay costs $10. Times one billion TSA searches a year means $10 billion annually taken from passengers, in addition to the fees and taxes used to pay for the activity. 99.99% of those passengers have done nothing wrong, and are carrying no contraband nor weapons. Yet they pay, through their time and treasure, for the billion searches performed in search of contraband and weapons.

      Adding searches of gate personnel and aircrew adds around 5% to the number of searches. So TSA will have to expand 5% to maintain current levels of delays and missed flights. Where they can't, or don't, expand, everyone's delays will get worse.

    6. Tim Dunn Diamond

      governments around the world, including in the US, are doing more surveillance of their own citizens - let alone others from other countries. There is no rolling back what the TSA currently does - like it or not.
      And, while doom and gloom regarding the future might be reality, there is a good chance that it will be nowhere near as bad as some try to paint it.
      Also, the US is rolling...

      governments around the world, including in the US, are doing more surveillance of their own citizens - let alone others from other countries. There is no rolling back what the TSA currently does - like it or not.
      And, while doom and gloom regarding the future might be reality, there is a good chance that it will be nowhere near as bad as some try to paint it.
      Also, the US is rolling out more and more high tech scanners which are much faster. The UK is committed to doing that as well, including eliminating the liquids rule.
      There is more time spent in security waiting for a human to look at the images on the screen than any other process. There is automation that could easily reduce that time and move the whole process along faster for all passengers - more than offsetting the increased number of airline personnel that have to be scanned.

  83. Steve Diamond

    Not worried about this, i have not waited more than 5 mins in a TSA or clear line in years, so not concerned at all if there is all of a sudden an influx of crew members in the TSA that just means i have to wait 6 mins instead of 3.

    1. Donna Diamond

      Steve - Did you fly this past year? I have PreCheck and I’ve waited at least 30 minutes several times between April and October this year. One morning last summer at SAN the PreCheck line was out the West Terminal door extending half a block. Not claiming the new policy will affect my trips, only that TSA has major staffing issues at certain airports.

    2. Steve Guest

      Yes, I flew this week. I have pre check and clear. Never wait more the 10 minutes

    3. CHRIS Guest

      "A half a block" really? Surely if it truly were that long Donna (Karen) you absolutely would have taken a photo. Care to share that photo to back up your claims?

  84. M.Casey Guest

    As a paying subscriber of CLEAR & TSAPre, I would welcome a dedicated crew/employee line for those employees that are working. If you arrive at the busiest times, you’ll see dozens of airport staff coming thru the PreCheck positions. However, off-duty crews should ALWAYS have to proceed thru the TSA security checkpoints like regular passengers. Having an off duty employee pass rider clogging up lines that they didn’t subscribe/pay for is spitting into face of...

    As a paying subscriber of CLEAR & TSAPre, I would welcome a dedicated crew/employee line for those employees that are working. If you arrive at the busiest times, you’ll see dozens of airport staff coming thru the PreCheck positions. However, off-duty crews should ALWAYS have to proceed thru the TSA security checkpoints like regular passengers. Having an off duty employee pass rider clogging up lines that they didn’t subscribe/pay for is spitting into face of the passengers that do.

    1. Robert D Guest

      Interesting comment, at my local airport, SEA, screening for airport employees is done by the Port of Seattle, on a lower level, NOT the TSA at the lanes that the traveling public uses. I just assumed that’s how it works pretty much everywhere. Well, at least for larger airports.

  85. Jaden Guest

    Airline pilot here. I’ve definitely noticed an increase in random screenings over the last several months. So much so, that I usually just go to security line. As for their excuse as to why they’re increasing random security checks, it’s kind of a dumb argument. First as the article stated, pilots fly the airplane so… and second, at most major airports ground personnel do not have to clear security at all, ever! Why, because it...

    Airline pilot here. I’ve definitely noticed an increase in random screenings over the last several months. So much so, that I usually just go to security line. As for their excuse as to why they’re increasing random security checks, it’s kind of a dumb argument. First as the article stated, pilots fly the airplane so… and second, at most major airports ground personnel do not have to clear security at all, ever! Why, because it would require manpower that TSA is unwilling/unable to hire. So they pick on us instead.

    1. Mel Guest

      Interesting viewpoint, except for those people who never have to pass through security… could easily pass said product off to said pilot, attendant, or anyone with access to the plane storage cargo. So in reality anyone who come into the airlines as an employee. Should be required to use clear backpacks or purses to pass security/ metal detectors should be used and nothing else should be allowed on premises. Unless traveling where you go through...

      Interesting viewpoint, except for those people who never have to pass through security… could easily pass said product off to said pilot, attendant, or anyone with access to the plane storage cargo. So in reality anyone who come into the airlines as an employee. Should be required to use clear backpacks or purses to pass security/ metal detectors should be used and nothing else should be allowed on premises. Unless traveling where you go through security like everyone else.

    2. John Guest

      Also when is the last time you saw a TSA agent screened when going through a checkpoint . Other countries check their own and I have never witnessed this in the US.

  86. Tim Dunn Diamond

    A large part of the problem was allowing crew members - pilots or flight attendants - to use KCM when off duty with the exception of going immediately taccess o/from their base as a commuter. That should have never been allowed any more than ground workers could access special security lines when traveling.
    As for the flight attendant vs. pilot issue, the justification for including flight attendants was always that there simply was not...

    A large part of the problem was allowing crew members - pilots or flight attendants - to use KCM when off duty with the exception of going immediately taccess o/from their base as a commuter. That should have never been allowed any more than ground workers could access special security lines when traveling.
    As for the flight attendant vs. pilot issue, the justification for including flight attendants was always that there simply was not enough volume to maintain KCM checkpoints just for pilots.
    As for the argument about crew members mucking up the pre-check line, the way immigration lines are done should be the standard: there is always a dedicated crew line which pre-check users can use if there are no crew members.
    And no one has said who pays for KCM now but it does cost something to operate and that funding should move to the TSA.
    Also, many large airports have crew and employee security checkpoints that are currently in the secure area that are accessible by employee shuttle buses. That volume won't come back to the regular checkpoints.

  87. Pilot Guest

    Flight attendants have been the issue with attempting to smuggling things through KCM. Not pilots. Why not just revoke the flight attendants’ privileges and keep KCM for pilots?
    Common sense solutions to common sense problems.

    1. Flight Attendant Guest

      ...Yeah, like pilot’s don’t smuggle thing’s in either smh!

    2. Tried it Guest

      Highly incorrect. There are multiple reports of pilots being busted with weapons. And several times I have seen PILOTS attempting to bring their family members through KCM and then throw a hissy fit when they’re told no

  88. Mike Guest

    This is not good for regular TSA Pre-Check users. Prior to the Known Crewmember program and their dedicated lines, it was not uncommon to spend 10-15 minutes being delayed as crew after crew cut in line to be screened before the regular users.

  89. 305 Guest

    TSA is already severely understaffed at many airports. This is just going to exacerbate the problem of long lines and lack of precheck in multiple terminals

    You can even point to this as a reason for the insane crowding at lounges we’re seeing. Seemingly every airline is telling you to arrive 2-3 hours ahead of time “because you never know how many TSA employees showed up that day.” If you make it through quickly, then suddenly you have to kill 2 hours in a lounge

  90. Dee Guest

    What exactly are the numbers of people who are trying to sneak in illegal things through kcm? To my knowledge it’s not that many. Seems crazy to punish the vast majority of people because a few bad apples.

    1. Fr8dawg Guest

      The first step should be eliminating flight attendants from any expedited screening program. That would solve the vast majority of the issues. Secondly, it’s rather disturbing that TSA “agents” have very little oversight in regards to entering secure areas with bags, purses, etc. I have witnessed them walk through checkpoints in droves with little more than a flash of a badge. Absolutely no verification of credentials or inspection of personal items. While I am an...

      The first step should be eliminating flight attendants from any expedited screening program. That would solve the vast majority of the issues. Secondly, it’s rather disturbing that TSA “agents” have very little oversight in regards to entering secure areas with bags, purses, etc. I have witnessed them walk through checkpoints in droves with little more than a flash of a badge. Absolutely no verification of credentials or inspection of personal items. While I am an airline pilot, I fly for a major cargo airline and thankfully don’t have to deal with the incompetent TSA smurfs.

    2. fly Guest

      Since you don’t deal with people I’m going to ignore the commentary on your lack of understanding why it’s necessary to go through an expedited process as a flight attendant. I will however, proceed to explain that there is a necessity to have minimum crew on board to board passengers which I do realize you do not deal with. For everyone’s information, so long as the plane is “on” there is no need to have...

      Since you don’t deal with people I’m going to ignore the commentary on your lack of understanding why it’s necessary to go through an expedited process as a flight attendant. I will however, proceed to explain that there is a necessity to have minimum crew on board to board passengers which I do realize you do not deal with. For everyone’s information, so long as the plane is “on” there is no need to have pilots on board while boarding passengers. The flight attendants are required to be there before the rest of the crew because they are the ones needed to board passengers. If pilots were running a little late for whatever reason, the flight attendants would still be required to be there to board passengers so as not to be faulted with a delay in the boarding process. So to clarify, a flight attendant like a pilot is required to do a strenuous background check. A flight attendant like a pilot, goes through random drug tests. A flight attendant, like a pilot has the ability to go through KCM by scanning their KCM badge, “flashing” their badge as you say to verify the screen matches the badge in front of them, and showing an additional verification of ID, passport or FAA airman card. I will not come here to say one is worse than the other, while I have witnessed my fair share of “the other half” doing things they should not. It just sucks overall, especially for those of us who do not smuggle drugs or weapons just do their jobs and just want to use flight benefits on their days off. You have a nice day.

  91. Robert Guest

    The Airlines and the TSA needs to punish the people that commit the crimes, and not just put out a blanket change that punishes the 99.9% of the pilots and flight attendants that follow the rules.

    1. Jet Guest

      Throw the book at the offenders. Maximum penalties. This could help to discourage any would-be smugglers. I’m so tired of the majority of us being punished because of the few idiots that break the rules or commit crimes.

    2. Lola Guest

      Throw the book at the offenders. Maximum penalties. This could help to discourage any would-be smugglers. I’m so tired of the majority of us being punished because of the few idiots that break the rules or commit crimes.

  92. Trevor Guest

    If the TSA's job isn't to catch drugs, then I'm not exactly sure what this will accomplish. Now pilots are going to be harassed over non-compliant 3-1-1 liquids. We did it Joe!

    1. Tried it Guest

      Uniformed crewmembers are exempt from 3-1-1 restrictions

  93. Alan Guest

    They should just permanently ban the violators from KCM. That would stop the violations real quickly. Too much “education,” and not enough accountability. Crew members know the rules - the bad apples just are overly confident they won’t be held accountable.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Alan -- I mean, I think the people who are actually caught with serious things (like kilos of cocaine) are facing worse punishment than just being banned from KCM...

    2. Alan Guest

      Full disclosure- I’m a flight attendant, and it’s frustrating to lose this privilege because of crew members who don’t follow the rules. As it is, the “random” screenings have increased exponentially - to the point where crew members are tempted to go through the pre check line anyway to avoid an extra step of waiting for someone to tell you to go there. You’re right though, losing KCM is the least of their problems; however,...

      Full disclosure- I’m a flight attendant, and it’s frustrating to lose this privilege because of crew members who don’t follow the rules. As it is, the “random” screenings have increased exponentially - to the point where crew members are tempted to go through the pre check line anyway to avoid an extra step of waiting for someone to tell you to go there. You’re right though, losing KCM is the least of their problems; however, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who’s actually lost the privilege permanently. (I’d really be interested to know what the stats are on that??) In any event, I really enjoy reading your articles. Thanks for what you do. : )

  94. JJ Guest

    Pilots are not, and haven't been the problem.
    It's the flight attendants.
    I've always been concerned they let them into known crewmember from day one. Maybe a probationary period before they are eligible, idk. But this could possibly delay flights... guess we'll see.

    1. Tried it Guest

      It’s not just flight attendants. There have been reports of pilots caught with weapons when they get randomed. I’ve also witnessed on more than one occasion a pilot attempt to bring a family member through KCM and then throw a hissy fit when they’re turned away.

    2. Just another pilot Guest

      I don't think any pilot would try to bring a family member through KCM when they understand that it just doesn't work that way. Every pilot knows that you have to have a valid airline employee ID and be verified in the TSA computer database to get through KCM, no exceptions. And then throwing a hissy fit when they are not allowed to do what they already know 100% they are not allowed to do? Hmm, your story sounds fishy.

    3. David Guest

      I have also seen pilots try to bring animals or children through KCM with them.

    4. Another pilot… Guest

      I witnessed a pilot trying to bring his teenage son through KCM and getting irate because he was told he couldn’t. So it does happen…..not a fishy story.

    5. Crew Guest

      Your wild and unbelievable claim about pilots attempting to bring their families through KCM proves you don't actually know how KCM works. Every actual crew member reading this comment section knows you made that up.

  95. Ryan Guest

    The TSA’s job is not to look for drugs or identify other illegal activity. It is to ensure safety on public transportation, that’s it. We can’t forget this and need to push back against their continued scope creep in the name of self preservation.

    1. Guest Guest

      Drug interdiction isn't TSA's job and they know it. But as federal employees they are obligated by duty and law to report violations of other federal/state laws when it comes to their attention - such as finding illegal narcotics while screening for WEI.

  96. Ligma Johnson Guest

    I just hope the tsa dosen't find out we have a one handed crash axe in every cockpit. I agree with you about flight attendants vs pilots. If they think after 4 years of school, $100k in training, another 4 years of grinding time as a CFI, after finally becoming a airline pilot that I would even know where to score these drugs then they must think I'm way cooler than I actually am.

    1. J.J. Guest

      I thought you were a former twitter employee, not an airline pilot.

    2. Hyytekk Guest

      I'm a flight attendant with 34 years seniority. KCM was a tremendous privilege these years we enjoyed it. I have heard stories of pilots and flight attendants ferrying money, drugs and electronics and that has led to the loss of this expedited service for us. I would propose that any crew member intentionally engaging in this activity, once caught and verified, be terminated immediately and banned from any job in transport, prosecuted and given an...

      I'm a flight attendant with 34 years seniority. KCM was a tremendous privilege these years we enjoyed it. I have heard stories of pilots and flight attendants ferrying money, drugs and electronics and that has led to the loss of this expedited service for us. I would propose that any crew member intentionally engaging in this activity, once caught and verified, be terminated immediately and banned from any job in transport, prosecuted and given an exhorbitant fine, say $100,000. For those who abuse the line, like while going to leisure international travel, which is not permitted, an immediate 6 months suspension without pay. If the penalties for breaking the rules were severe and immediate, I believe the problem would be quelled. Making all of us lose this privilege will soon tax tsa, delay flights and and expand misconnects. We should not take a step backward.

    3. CHRIS Guest

      Would have been cool if Clayton Osbon had a gun too right?

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Tim Dunn Diamond

A large part of the problem was allowing crew members - pilots or flight attendants - to use KCM when off duty with the exception of going immediately taccess o/from their base as a commuter. That should have never been allowed any more than ground workers could access special security lines when traveling. As for the flight attendant vs. pilot issue, the justification for including flight attendants was always that there simply was not enough volume to maintain KCM checkpoints just for pilots. As for the argument about crew members mucking up the pre-check line, the way immigration lines are done should be the standard: there is always a dedicated crew line which pre-check users can use if there are no crew members. And no one has said who pays for KCM now but it does cost something to operate and that funding should move to the TSA. Also, many large airports have crew and employee security checkpoints that are currently in the secure area that are accessible by employee shuttle buses. That volume won't come back to the regular checkpoints.

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R Pilot Guest

NO. The TSA screening is NOT there to catch drug smugglers. It is only there to prevent security threats to aviation, originally hijacking then terrorist attacks. Again, NOT for drug enforcement.

2
Alan Guest

Full disclosure- I’m a flight attendant, and it’s frustrating to lose this privilege because of crew members who don’t follow the rules. As it is, the “random” screenings have increased exponentially - to the point where crew members are tempted to go through the pre check line anyway to avoid an extra step of waiting for someone to tell you to go there. You’re right though, losing KCM is the least of their problems; however, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who’s actually lost the privilege permanently. (I’d really be interested to know what the stats are on that??) In any event, I really enjoy reading your articles. Thanks for what you do. : )

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