The Department of Homeland Security is temporarily halting TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, two of the most widely used trusted-traveler programs in the United States, amid a partial government shutdown.
In a statement to CNN regarding the suspension of those programs, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Patrol “are focusing on the general traveling public at our airports and ports of entry and have suspended courtesy and special privilege escorts.”
Part of my underlying assumption is that the the passenger screening process in the USA is as much theater as it is security, so a more relaxed process for everyone would be the best outcome. Creating a two-tier system so that the people most likely to push for the best outcome aren’t motivated to do so is therefore bad.
If my assumption is wrong, then it might be dangerous to relax the process for everyone.
The process at the airport is theater for the most part. They routinely miss dangerous items. The process for TSA Pre is a background check that is probably only as rigorous as a police background check, but it at least screens out some criminals. Global Entry is more rigorous and looks a bit deeper, but it isn’t as deep as a real security clearance.
My only issue with relaxing the process at the airport for everyone is that everyone on planes these days is stressed and angry, at least in the US. I don’t want it to be easier to bring a gun or knife onto a plane with people as angry and irritated as they are now. I’m not afraid of terrorists. I’m afraid of Florida Man with his MAGA hat getting into a fight with a person and stabbing them.
I’m reminded of the TSA planning in 2013 to allow small knives to harmonize its rules with Europe and Canada. The flight attendant union objected, and the rule change was rolled back.
On one hand, there’s nowhere to run on a plane, and people have been behaving unusually badly of late. On the other hand, the chance of arrest and prosecution following a violent act on a plane is 100%, and unlike most public settings, bystanders will usually intervene.