Backs Bill To Provide Passenger Advocates At Security Checkpoints

The non-profit airline passenger advocacy organization FlyersRights.org issued a statement Tuesday strongly supporting creation of passenger advocacy positions at all airport TSA checkpoints, an idea advanced by Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Michael Gianaris. Founder and Executive Director Kate Hanni said, "The recently TSA missteps, humiliating elderly women air travelers, clearly demonstrate that airline passengers need someone to turn to, on the spot, to prevent the kinds of mistreatment those women suffered."

Kate Hanni

Hanni also noted that "The TSA's response to these incidents further underlines the need for passenger advocates. The agency regrets only that the passengers feel that they had a bad experience, not that they truly did have a bad experience. An on-scene passenger advocate could help all parties find more acceptable solutions to individual problems."

Hanni cautioned, however, that "Passenger advocates at TSA checkpoints must be truly independent to be truly effective. They must be advocates passengers can trust and know that they, and not the airlines' rights will be protected."

"FlyersRights urges that those who fill the new positions be unconnected to either the airline industry or to the government. They must be free to view each situation from all parties' point of view, unencumbered by any one party's agenda."

FMI: www.FlyersRights.org