Airport Security Blog Opens to Passengers
A major government security agency has opened an internet blog which allows passengers to report on airport security issues.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)'s blog, "The Evolution of Security", enables passengers travelling through US airports to post comments about all manner of issues related to security.
Passengers will be able to leave feedback about their experiences of procedures at security checkpoints, be they positive or negative.
The blog became popular within hours of launch, with over 700 comments being left within the first 24 hours.
The TSA said the blog was launched to encourage "dialogue" with travellers about airport security issues - and, specifically, to create an opportunity for the public to ask questions about airport security policy and post any suggestions they may have.
Kip Hawley, TSA's Administrator, added that the blog would also be used by the agency as a way of explaining to airport users why certain security policies are in place.
They also said it could help make US airport security more accountable.
Airport Security Suggestions To Be Taken On Board
According to Hawley, the TSA would take the comments and suggestions made on the blog into consideration for policy discussions.
"We will incorporate what we learn in this forum in our checkpoint process evaluation", he said.
Hawley explained that a team of moderators would remove any offensive postings, but would "not touch the critical or cranky".
Security Blog Criticised
However, a number of aviation analysts and passenger groups said they believe the blog would contribute little to airport security, dismissing it as little more than a PR exercise.
David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association, said: "this will just make it easier for them to receive complaints [and] ignore them in the name of national security".
One aviation analyst, Terry Trippler, said that he expects the blog to have little effect because it would attract a handful of regular complainers, with the vast majority of passengers not using it.
Source - Airport International's US Correspondent
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