Flying: Space-A goes unchanged, FAA issues guidelines - Brief Article

While the Federal Aviation Administration recreates the process for boarding commercial airlines in the United States, Space-A travel procedures continue without change, according to an Air Mobility Command spokesman.

John Monroe said Sept. 14 that space-A travel continues around the world. He suggested people call their local passenger terminals first instead of showing up.

"Military people will go through a fairly thorough screening process anyway well before they reach the terminal," said Monroe, who is based at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. "There have been, however, no other changes. As always, it depends on mission requirements and if there's space on that aircraft."

Meanwhile, the FAA released a set of frequently asked questions for air travelers that included many of the changes in security and policy at airports in the United States:

* When should I arrive for my flight?

* Call the airline in advance to see how much time you should allow for the additional security checks that will be required.

* What if I have an electronic ticket?

* The airlines will determine what ticket documentation (tickets, boarding passes or reservation confirmations) screeners will allow, so check with the airline in advance if you have an electronic ticket.

* Will I be allowed to meet an arriving passenger at the gate?

* Only ticketed passengers with photo identification will be allowed beyond the security checkpoint. Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons and persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians, and for medical crews who need to respond to a medical emergency beyond the checkpoint.

* If I don't have a bag to check, do I need to check in at the ticket counter?

* If you already have a ticket, you may proceed through the security checkpoint to the gate.

* What new security will I notice at the airports?

* There will be thorough searches of all airports and airplanes before passengers are allowed to enter and board aircraft.

* Curbside check-in is prohibited.

* Checking bags at off-airport sites is prohibited. You may still use these sites to obtain boarding passes and seat assignments.

* Passengers should go to the ticket counters to check in.

* Only ticketed passengers will be allowed through the security checkpoints.

* Vehicles parked near the airport will be closely monitored.

* You may notice additional uniformed law enforcement officers and FAA canine teams patrolling the airport.

* Can I carry my pocket knife on board?

* No knives or cutting instruments of any size will be allowed in the aircraft. Knives may be transported only in checked baggage. Airlines will no longer provide steak knives for on-board food service.

* Will armed officers be put on flights?

* Yes, FAA federal air marshals who are armed security specialists trained for deployment on anti-hijacking missions will be flying anonymously. The FAA will not reveal the number or identities of the marshals.

* Will the government be taking over the security screener workforce?

* The FAA is looking at every aspect of security for possible improvements. There is a rule pending that will impose new rigorous standards for training and testing of screeners. The new standard will require use of new software that will monitor how well each screener is doing at detecting dangerous objects. Those who fail to meet detection standards can lose FAA certification.

* Are you going to require hijacking training for pilots and flight attendants?

* The FAA already requires flight crews to undergo initial hijacking training and annual recurrent training. They do not publicize what this training includes for security reasons.