The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today issued support of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new program that will promote an alternate screening of crewmembers. The new program, sponsored by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the Air Transport Association (ATA), will begin testing later this year.

“As first responders, Flight Attendants hold a primary stake and are the last line of defense in aviation security. AFA is proud to partner with ALPA, ATA and TSA on an alternate screening program for crewmembers,” said Veda Shook, AFA International President. “We look forward to being a key partner in the advancement of this alternate screening system. This program will highlight the importance of all crewmembers working as a security team for the safety of the crew and the traveling public.”

The program, as proposed by ALPA and ATA, includes Flight Attendants after initial testing. Alternate screening identifies authorized and trusted crewmembers at security screening checkpoints. The process, which Congress intended for all crewmembers in 2007, utilizes security screening clearances which are a condition of employment for aviation employees.