U.S. Travel Association Panel to Study Customer-Friendly Security

The U.S. Travel Association has formed a “Blue Ribbon Panel for Frictionless Security” to create a vision for the world’s most secure, efficient and customer-friendly air travel security screening process.

The group, formed on the heels of the attempted Christmas Day bombing, features prominent security and facilitation experts, including Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security; Robert Crandall, former president and CEO of American Airlines; Jim Turner, former Democratic congressman and chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee; Dave Bronzek, president and CEO of FedEx Express; and Sam Gilliland, president and CEO of Sabre Holdings.

Recent research reveals growing traveler frustration with the air travel security screening process and a significant negative economic impact from fewer travelers flying due to unnecessary “hassles.” A February travelhorizons survey by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that 84 percent of travelers negatively equate air travel security screening with the process they experience at their local department of motor vehicles, and 80 percent believe that customer service can be enhanced with strengthening security.

The panel includes experts in aviation security, queuing, technology, privacy and economics. U.S. Travel will also solicit the opinions of frequent travelers. The panel will provide a fresh evaluation of the air travel security system, exploring new technologies and best practices from around the world.

Setting politics and current cost constraints aside, the panel will engage in a fact-based analysis of process improvement, technology, human capital management, physical infrastructure, capital investments and privacy protections. The group expects to deliver a blueprint for a secure and efficient air security screening system to members of Congress and the Obama Administration in the summer of 2010.