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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Markosek |
  
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Markosek advises air passengers of new ID rule
HARRISBURG, June 10 – Beginning Saturday,
June 21, air passengers who intentionally refuse to provide identification at a
security checkpoint will be denied access to the secure areas of airports, said
House Transportation Committee Chairman Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland.
The new rule was announced by the
Transportation Security Administration, which is charged with overseeing
aviation security.
"Most people know to have their
identification ready when going through security, but there are still some
passengers who challenge TSA screeners' authority," Markosek said. "To
allow an unidentified person access into the main terminal in this day and age
is a security risk and jeopardizes the safety of all travelers. This new rule
is an attempt to deter unidentified passengers from being difficult."
Markosek added that the change will apply only
to people who refuse to provide any identification or assist transportation
security officers in confirming their identity.
"This new procedure won’t affect
passengers who lost or do not have proper identification, but are willing to cooperate
with the TSA," Markosek added. "However, people who have upcoming
plans to fly should be aware of the new protocol and prepare accordingly."
Cooperative passengers without identification
may be subjected to additional screening protocols, including enhanced physical
screening, enhanced carry-on and/or checked baggage screening, interviews with
behavior detection or law enforcement officers and other measures.
The TSA was created under the Aviation and
Transportation Security Act of 2001, which was passed in response to the
terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
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