As a frequent flyer Ive received far more attitude from FAs them I ever have from TSA. Thank you for listening to ALL my pain points. Remember, the crew may instead check your carry-on luggage when embarking, so if you carry any electronics that break the MSC drone policy, they may be confiscated until the end of the cruise. Seriously??? At least flight attendants have to meet some kind of standards and have a lot to lose. This entire article was a joke and seemed more demeaning than informative. They are dropped off @ the secure side of the terminal. If your pass has a SSSS printed on it, you must undergo selectee screening at the passenger screening checkpoint. Date: March 18, 2022 The government-approved Known Crewmember (KCM) program allows Flight Attendants and Pilots at many airlines to enjoy the convenience of an expedited security screening. 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. We are required to sign in at latest 1 hr before departure. That would solve the vast majority of the issues. Also a lot of airports, like Ohare, dont require ground crew to go through security check points. The BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) have come out with an advisory declaring locally made Power bank as prohibited item not permissible for carriage on person, hand baggage and Check-In baggage, and air cargo consignment. Q:I have a SSSS on my boarding pass or seat request card, what do I do? Contact Us. The REAL problem is that airline management, in conjunction with the FA unions, basically hire anyone with a "pulse" to be a Flight Attendant. And while I'm in line to be scanned throughout the KCM door, they just walk in without ID check. The majority of flight attendants and pilots follow the rules. TSA is out of controltheir job is to prevent a 9-11but today they are covid mask enforcers, DEA agents, uniform police etc etcKCM was paid for and pushed in by ALPA with alpa duesthe F/A's got in for free and ruined it. Career term differences may be different in your eyes, but its all in the eye of the beholder & YOU dont determine VALUE or WORTH! If your crew-member record is SPOTLESS, your random screening should be much much less. This was discipline issued by the carrier and documented by TSA. 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. 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. 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. Perhaps we should make it easy for flight attendants to get to the aircraft too? 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. See more about our ethics policies here. Pilots should still be able to have KCM. believe it or not your not nearly as important as you would like to think you are. The SF system randomly selects individuals to undergo selectee screening and will identify the printed boarding pass or seat request card with a SSSS. Your password can't be one that you've used previously. Which is handing out band-aids and pressing buttons on an AED.after the machine TELLS you to. All other individuals (to include spouses, dependents, minor children, etc.) Maybe they'll finally get it when they miss a connection or twomaybe? Who is to say they can't hand off drugs or weapons. Absolutely no verification of credentials or inspection of personal items. This enhanced process leverages current technology to provide an effective and cost-efficient solution. TSA doesn't screen for drugs. Its harassment as far as Im concerned its very frustrating to go through this every time you come to work. You, Mr "peepee" sound as though you already have a preconceived notion about flight attendants and are lumping us all together. I use KCM and live in a base. 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. 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. 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". page on our website to help with some of the misunderstandings in this program. When the JetBlue flight attendant in LAX got caught with cocaine shortly after F/As were included in the program, we all saw the writing on the wall. 99.99% of those passengers have done nothing wrong, and are carrying no contraband nor weapons. Flight attendants have 2 months of training. Just dump your item, go though screening, exit security and you are reset to try again. We do not speed up the security process because it's busy. Adding searches of gate personnel and aircrew adds around 5% to the number of searches. Either way, you're a crewmember so you'd better get ready for work, you have peanuts to distribute. I get to see both sides of this equation. Therefore, KCM eligible crewmembers are required to understand these KCM Rules for Use and comply with these rules while using the KCM access points. Such conduct can jeopardize crewmembers of their right to participate in the program and consequently jeopardizes the entire Known Crew Member (KCM) program. "First responders" L.O.L. I've got nothing to hide. Everyone should be screened. The folks who say TSA isn't here for drug smuggling interdiction are absolutely correct. In fact, there is at least one pilot sitting in jail in a foreign country because he forgot he had his gun. 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. The third most common is customer service on 10.7% of resumes. You also clearly dont know what youre talking about if youre suggesting to not screen pilots. Dont just blame a work group. I haven't been randomed by TSA, ever! The vast majority of crew use KCM exactly as they should and are law abiding. Queen Mary 2 is certified to carry 4,400 people (3,108 guests and 1,292 crew members). 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. Just give us a dedicated crew only lane. Life rafts are located on Deck 7 . 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. They are the problem, not pilots. 4.1.1. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Nope, AFA, was also involved in the lobbying for KCM, all crew members or none. And if I run out of duty day because I've been standing in line, oh well. Secondly, its rather disturbing that TSA agents have very little oversight in regards to entering secure areas with bags, purses, etc. (Id really be interested to know what the stats are on that??) Know what you can pack before arriving at the airport by checking the prohibited items list. Seems crazy to punish the vast majority of people because a few bad apples. 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. However, it is the responsibility of crew to pay these transportation costs. The sense of entitlement from flight attendants and especially pilots is wild. If you look at the Number of incidents that are occurring, the majority, are all flight attendants. KCM does not exempt a crewmember from complying with these additional screening techniques. Please stop blaming flight attendants! Our frustration has absolutely nothing to do with entitlement. You have basic first aid. 0000003099 00000 n 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 its not you its the system its chosen you as random Really??? System Transfers Awarded Effective May 1, 2023, AFA Reporting System Memberlink Grievance Portal Update, AFA Grievance Reporting System Memberlink Planned Downtime for Server Move, Interruption of Reserve Legal Rest While at Home, Two New Letters of Agreement Approved by United MEC. The screenshot is going around. But only if you're nice. What? Its really an interesting take when you mention pilots dont need to be screened as much. 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. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, all for-purchase a la carte menu items, and all Spa & Salon services. 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. When it was in this form, there were virtually no problems. Failure to submit to screening at the passenger screening checkpoint (e.g., using a SIDA badge to avoid screening) is considered circumvention of screening, and TSA may take enforcement action in accordance with the KCM Disqualification Protocols (KCMDP). 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. Flight attendants never should have been included. Since you dont deal with people Im going to ignore the commentary on your lack of understanding why its necessary to go through an expedited process as a flight attendant. These include cultural goods, wild fauna and flora and products derived from these, vegetables and plant products, weapons and ammunition, medicines, tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Oh youre mad because the flight attendants never treat you right. ENR 5. Yes, we expect, when we get to kcm that we will just be able to walk through and it is a disappointment when we cant. It is unfortunate that in 2023, the program may no longer exist for some. Stay mad, everyone. Are allowed Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) and other exemptions applicable to uniformed flight crewmembers atTSA PreCheck. If a crewmember believes that a KCM denial occurred relative to employment status, they should proceed to the passenger-screening checkpoint for screening and, when time permits, ask an airline supervisor for assistance with the airline KCM record. Are not allowed to carry property belonging to other individuals through the KCM Access Point. Questions or feedback by flight crew should be directed to your respective airline. There have been reports of pilots caught with weapons when they get randomed. 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. Things have gotten so bad, I am ready for a fight. xbbbg`b`` / 0000010714 00000 n Which is handing out band-aids and pressing buttons on an AED.after the machine TELLS you to. If they want to look in my bag, no problem. Get over yourselves. 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. Regardless of the circumstances? Other countries check their own and I have never witnessed this in the US. Also allowing them to use this when they are off duty is the other problem. This is going to cause more time people wait in line and people already hate it when crew members arrive late to the aircraft. Then quit and go work somewhere else. Flight attendants are first responders..they are highly trained professionals.even if some refuse to acknowledge it. Like other airline workers dont use a SIDA badge and go through another entrance. 5The Known Crew Member program enables TSOs to positively verify the identity and employment status of flight-crew members who have joined the program and provide expedited access to the sterile area of the airport for properly identified and verified, uniformed crewmembers. 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. Please read this for the facts and not speculation or conjecture. Unfortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has found circumstances where there have been egregious violations of the KCM requirements. So, like with just about everything else good, a few ruin it for the majority. Sign up Try it and cry later.. The REAL problem is that airline management, in conjunction with the FA unions, basically hire anyone with a "pulse" to be a Flight Attendant. Therefore air passengers are advised not to carry with them such locally made power bank during the journey. This story is incorrect. TSA has determined that certain violations of TSA security requirements by a crewmember are inconsistent with a determination that the crewmember poses a sufficiently low risk to transportation security to be eligible for KCM expedited screening, regardless of whether the violation physically occurred at the KCM access point. Thats a great idea especially as we strip off all our jewelry, belts, shoes, food, drinks, and 6-pk for overnight! I'll bet you even flash your "first responder" wings at cops on traffic stops too. Real professional comment on your part. Push through to the front each and every time you clear TSA. Thank you to the wonderful TSA for wasting everyones time and making the lives of hard working crew members harder while decreasing safety at the same time. It's not my business what a person freely chooses to put in their own bodynor is it government's business. 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. 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 were seeing. At most: I would like to be seen as a whistle blower. That is completely wrong! That is exactly what Flight Attendants do-every single day! Flight attendants have the weapons they need readily available: cockpit access and a bottle of wine from the galley. That only causes issues. Crewmembers who do not have a KCM barcode card, have a worn/unreadable barcode card, or have not completed the registration process will be referred to the passenger screening checkpoint for entry into the airport sterile area. So in reality anyone who come into the airlines as an employee. My grammar is literally better than yours so I'm not sure what point you're trying to make. 0000009729 00000 n Full screening. Unaccompanied Baggage. Why is all the blame put on flight attendants? They also let a passenger through a week ago with a razor blade. I then thank them. You walk on your own to TSA Pre and wait in line with everyone else. So they pick on us instead. The TSA screening is NOT there to catch drug smugglers. We shouldn't put anything pass anybody. A lot of money from pilot dues was spent by the Air Line Pilots Association to help get the Known Crew Member program going. BS, airports like MIA and MCO all and I mean all employees entering the sterile or SIDA area of the airport are screened. 0000057216 00000 n Is the little baby upset that he can't go thru KCM cause his coworkers got busted smuggling drugs? In May 2007, the TSA approved the first version of an alternate screening method called the Crew Personnel Advanced Screening System (CrewPASS). 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. A:A crewmember will be issued a KCM barcode card from their participating airline management staff. after being told you got a random. All such a joke, Just ban flight attendants from the program, done. 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. 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. Almost every cruise ship in the world offers some sort of laundry service onboard if you need. If a crewmember does not present an active KCM barcode card and is referred for screening, they must follow the TSOs instructions and complete the screening process at the passenger screening checkpoint. 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 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?. You have a nice day. When all of the flights are getting delayed, people will be wishing KCM was back. 0000008870 00000 n I love my job and certainly contribute more than just having a pulse. Incidents onboard aircraft involving Federal Air Marshals. Keep dreaming. I agree some abuse the system and rules in place. must be screened at the passenger-screening checkpoint. That would stop the violations real quickly. Your wild and unbelievable claim about pilots attempting to bring their families through KCM proves you don't actually know how KCM works. If the crewmember isnot wearinga uniform, the crewmember must present a KCM barcode card and a non-expired: Aircraft operator-issued crewmember photo ID or National Air Transport Association ID; and, A valid FAA Flight Attendant Certificate of Proficiency; or. All Crewmembers transiting a KCM portal are subject to random screening. The duration of disqualification from participation in KCM is related to the seriousness of the violation and/or a repeated history of regulatory violations. The CDC issued a no-sail order in U.S. waters on March 14 one day after the industry. MNM8[@w1\J2t_ig VIgM]0%b"fM KCM Crewmember definition & requirements: For the purpose of the KCM Program, authorized crewmembers have been defined by the TSA as: Captains or Pilots in Command, First Officers or Co-Pilots, Flight Engineers, Flight Navigators, Flight Attendants and Load Masters for full all-cargo operations. Get your facts straight! Have new threats from crew been identified? They are picked up and dropped off from the ramp. Known Crewmember (KCM) - It's a Privilege, Not a Right! Flight crews already have to arrive hours before their flight and are not even getting paid. So to clarify, a flight attendant like a pilot is required to do a strenuous background check. Most of these tsa agents are regular people, lower paid, not highly educated. The program is not ending. Sponsored by ALPA and Airlines for America. Thank you Jennifer for the info. A:Authorized crewmembers traveling with a printed boarding pass or seat request card are subject to the TSA Secure Flight (SF) vetting system the same as passengers. The second most common hard skill for a mcdonalds crew member is food orders appearing on 29.2% of resumes. 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. 0000045258 00000 n I guess it's impossible for them to smuggle something, even though that's NOT what it's for. FedEx Cross Border has prepared a global list of prohibited and restricted items that apply regardless of a shipment's destination. Hopefully, this is thought out carefully, or there will be delays because crewmembers will be held up at security checkpoints. Never wait more the 10 minutes. That is incorrect, KCM has an annual fee usually paid for by the union, company, or individual flight crew members - depending on the company. KCM was a tremendous privilege these years we enjoyed it. They're the offenders over and over. It takes all of us to to fly passengers. KCM is a risk-based security program and the use of the KCM program is a privilege and not a right. No one would do it. Crewmembers may request a new or replacement KCM barcode card from their airline management. 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!
known crew member prohibited items