Rep. Victoria Spartz charged with weapons violation at airport

Rep. Victoria Spartz was charged with a weapons violation after TSA officers found a firearm in her carry-on at Dulles International Airport. The firearm was unloaded and in her carry-on bag, and she claimed it was accidentally left in her suitcase pocket. Spartz has represented Indiana’s Fifth Congressional District since 2021.

Summer Air Travel in the United States

Summer air travel in the United States is expected to soar, with the TSA forecasting record-setting numbers for the July 4 holiday. Despite challenges like supply chain delays and Boeing safety crises, airlines are expressing confidence in their preparedness. Factors such as weather, air traffic control issues, and extreme temperatures can still lead to delays and cancellations, but improvements in coordination and new staff hiring are helping to mitigate these risks. Lower airfares and last-minute travel deals are attracting more infrequent flyers, who are advised to sign up for airline apps, expedited security programs, and flight tracker apps to navigate the busy summer season efficiently.

Air Travel in the U.S.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration screened a record number of airline passengers in a single day, with expectations of high travel volume during the 2024 Independence Day period. Major U.S. airlines are forecasting record summer travel, with an increase in daily flights and passengers compared to the previous year. The Federal Aviation Administration is facing challenges with a shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to concerns about congestion and delays at New York City-area airports.

Cuban Officials' Secret Tour of Miami Airport

TSA, State Department, and DHS apologized after Cuban officials received a secret guided tour of Miami International Airport, leading to backlash from the local community and politicians. The visit was not coordinated or communicated in advance to airport or county officials. The agencies committed to changing their protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Record Airline Passenger Screenings in the U.S.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record 2.95 million airline passengers on a single day, coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend that marks the beginning of the U.S. summer travel season. Major U.S. airlines are forecasted to transport a record 271 million passengers this summer, up 6.3% from last year.

Cuban Officials' Secret Tour of Miami Airport

Cuban officials from the communist regime conducted a secret tour of Miami's International Airport hosted by the TSA, prompting condemnation. The visit occurred on Cuban Independence Day and raised concerns about national security and ties to terrorist organizations.

Tour of Secure Areas at Miami International Airport by Cuban Officials

Republican lawmakers are raising concerns about a tour of secure areas at Miami International Airport by federal officials showing sensitive equipment and procedures to agents from a country on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

T.J. Ward's Frustration with Airport Security

T.J. Ward, Super Bowl champion and former NFL safety, expresses frustration with airport security procedures, particularly TSA screenings, calling them a 'scam' and feeling like he's sexually assaulted every time he flies.

Government Surveillance and Facial Recognition Technology at Airports

A left-right coalition in the Senate is fighting against the TSA's facial recognition technology at airports, citing concerns about government surveillance and privacy violations. The TSA's expansion of the program has faced opposition from senators across the political spectrum.

TSA Scrutiny Over Illegal Immigrants Traveling Without Proper Identification

Rep. Darrell Issa discusses the migrant crisis' impact on San Diego, California and TSA facing scrutiny over illegal immigrants traveling without proper identification. Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott push for VALID Act amendment in FAA reauthorization bill.

Snakes found in passenger's pants at Miami airport

Airport security officers in Miami found a bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's pants at the Miami International Airport checkpoint.

Restricting TSA's Use of Facial Recognition Technology

A bipartisan group of 14 senators is calling for restrictions on TSA's use of facial recognition technology to protect privacy and civil liberties. The technology is already in use at 84 airports, with plans for expansion. Critics are concerned about lack of transparency and oversight.

Retirement of TSA screening canine 'Messi'

TSA screening canine 'Messi' retires with a celebration at Reagan National Airport, enjoying tennis balls as a favorite toy after years of service sniffing for explosives.

Senate Republicans' Bill on Valid Act to Restrict CBP One App Usage for Illegal Immigrants

Senate Republicans introduced a bill cracking down on the federal government's use of a controversial mobile app to identify illegal immigrants traveling via airplane to the United States. The bill, named the VALID Act, aims to prohibit the TSA from accepting certain forms of identification for boarding planes.

TSA's New Self-Service Screening Technology at Vegas Airport

TSA has introduced new self-service screening technology at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, aiming to make the process easier and safer for travelers and officers. Some flyers compare it to grocery store self-checkout, with mixed reactions from the public.

New TSA Self-Service Screening Technology at Vegas Airport

TSA has introduced new self-service screening technology at Harry Reid International Airport in Vegas, allowing travelers to complete the screening process at their own pace. While some are excited about the innovation, others have expressed concerns about potential issues like getting flagged by the body scanning machine.