Experienced travelers who prioritize cheap airplane tickets or discount travel packages also appreciate continuing steps being taken at airports to prevent terrorist attacks on planes.
In an effort to better utilize human intelligence in the fight against terrorism, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is increasing the security clearances of 10,000 of its airport employees, giving them access to secret intelligence. It is believed that by giving personnel access to high level intelligence that they will be able to better detect potential threats and stop terrorists.
Currently only 744 supervisors, managers and behavior detection officers, who look for passengers exhibiting unusual behavior, are able to access to this intelligence. The plan is to expand that clearance to 10,000 supervisory personnel over the next two years.
These employees represent about 20 percent of TSAs airport workforce.
The TSA sees this expansion as the next step in professionalizing their work force. They view this change as empowering its employees and ensuring that they have the latest and most accurate information about potential intelligence threats.
Airport screeners, personnel inspecting travelers and luggage at airport checkpoints will not be given higher level security clearances.