Access Control
& Security Systems

Some flight attendants say they are being required to perform exhaustive pre-flight security checks, which goes against recommendations by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Association of Flight Attendants has issued a security alert because of this policy, which allegedly involves small carriers around the country.

"Aircraft searches are not a formality," says Patricia Friend, international president of the AFA. "Security is not the airlines' main objective when management doesn't use trained personnel or allow enough time to conduct a thorough security search. These airlines are shirking their responsibility for security by doing what's fastest and cheapest."

Following the Sept. 11 tragedies, the FAA mandated daily searches of aircraft for suspicious and dangerous materials. The DOT Rapid Response team that made the recommendation, however, specifically noted that airlines should not use flight attendants or cabin crew to conduct the searches -- instead specifying the use of specially trained personnel.

Carriers listed by the flight attendants association as allegedly refusing to adhere to the policy include: Atlantic Southeast Airlines (a Delta Connection carrier), Atlantic Coast Airlines/ACJet (a Delta Connection and United Express carrier), Air Wisconsin (A United Express carrier), and U.S. Airways Express carriers Allegheny, Piedmont and PSA.

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