"Examples of Airline Security Lapses"

Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Examples of Airline Security Lapses
Associated Press


Some examples of FAA enforcement actions against airlines for security
violations. Citing security concerns, the agency does not routinely
disclose the amounts actually paid: 

--Trans World Airlines, accused of four security violations for failing
to detect a dynamite bomb, an object commonly used by the FAA to test
the system, slipped past screeners at San Jose (Calif.) International
Airport in August 2000. No penalty imposed. 

--Delta Airlines, failing to screen two passengers and their carry-on
bags before they boarded Atlanta-Salt Lake City flight in September
1999. Paid penalty of $77,000. 

--American Airlines, failing to check passenger IDs, failing to ask the
required security questions at check-in counters and shipping
unaccompanied luggage at several airports in June 2000. FAA proposed
$99,000 penalty; disposition unknown. 

--Continental Airlines, carrying 13 unaccompanied bags on a
Houston-London flight in August 1998. FAA reports that it verified the
airline took action to correct its security procedures. Penalty of
$120,250 proposed; disposition unknown. 

--TWA, failing to perform required background checks on 44 contractors'
screening employees. Airline ordered to remove or reassign screeners in
November 1999. Penalty of $126,750 proposed; disposition unknown. 

--American Airlines, 51 violations of FAA rules covering display of ID
badges by employees at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport. Penalty
of $250,000 ordered in February 1998, appealed by the airline and upheld
by administrative law judge.

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