Following an announcement that about $78 million in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding will be used to install in-line baggage systems at three major U.S. airports and an additional $6.9 million in ARRA funds will be used for enhanced explosive detection technology in checked baggage at more than 60 airports nationwide,
Roger Dow, president and chief executive officer of the
U.S. Travel Association, issued the following statement:
"We applaud the Obama Administration and Secretary Napolitano for using available funds to strengthen security and improve the baggage screening process. We hope that greater use of this faster, automated process will streamline ticketing and boarding for travelers in more U.S. airports. About half of the flyers in America each day currently benefit from in-line baggage processing, and we encourage the Transportation Security Administration to continue to look for other innovative processes that improve efficiency and lessen the burden on travelers.
"The role of technology in a creating a frictionless air security process is being carefully considered by the aviation security experts on U.S. Travel's recently formed blue ribbon panel. This panel is reviewing the entire air security system and plans to issue a blueprint for air security that outlines an ideal system for 21st century air travel in America later this year." For more information on U.S. Travel Association's Blue Ribbon Panel for Frictionless Air Security, visit
www.ustravel.org.
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $704 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org. Follow them on Twitter @ustravelpr.