AFA applauds TSA change to Known Crewmember Program

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) joined the chorus of applause from the aviation industry in the change to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s Known Crewmember (KCM) program, which allows for flight crewmembers to proceed through KCM screening without their uniforms effective January 13, 2015.

KCM grants flight crewmembers access to an alternate, expedited security screening. KCM was first available to Pilots in 2011 and after AFA advocacy, led to Flight Attendant inclusion in the program in 2012.

“AFA fought vigorously for Flight Attendants to be included in KCM and the union continues to seek ways to improve and expand the KCM program at all of our member-airlines,” said AFA International President Sara Nelson. “KCM is important to Flight Attendants and Pilots in their everyday work environment. Beyond providing a lift to crews’ quality of work-life, KCM puts more non-uniformed trained responders—extra ‘eyes, ears and hands’—past the gate.”

Many Flight Attendants are boarding planes before they start their work day, either to commute to their destination to take off or while dead-heading. Non-uniformed trained personnel on aircraft enhances the safety and security for passengers and crew. KCM recognizes the training and certification of aviation’s first responders, AFA’s members.

AFA continues to support changes to KCM that add significant improvements to both the safety of U.S. aviation and the quality of life for flight crewmembers.

AFA joins the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) in encouraging all airports to move to KCM, leading to more efficient security screening for both crewmembers and passengers.

“This update to KCM policy recognizes that Flight Attendants are trusted members of the crew, the first responders on the aircraft, and the last line of defense in aviation security,” Nelson stated.