Christopher Elliott
Flying under the influence of the TSA: What now?
Since the last time I wrote about the Transportation Security Administration, the agency charged with protecting air travel has encountered some unexpected turbulence.
Department of Homeland Security: Your subpoena “is no longer necessary”
The Department of Homeland Security has withdrawn a subpoena that would have required me to furnish it with all documents related to the Dec. 25 TSA Security Directive published on this Web site.
Full text of my subpoena from the Department of Homeland Security
We had just put the kids in the bathtub when Special Agent Robert Flaherty knocked on my front door with a subpoena. He was very polite, and used “sir” a lot, but he said he just wanted a name: Who sent me the security directive?
TSA’s “layered” approach to security and what it means to you
The Transportation Security Administration’s campaign to confuse airline passengers has intensified. After posting a revised statement and Q&A about Northwest Airlines Flight 253 to its Web site yesterday that essentially said nothing, travelers are expressing frustration with the agency that’s supposed to safeguard America’s transportation systems.
Leaked security directive: Full text of pat-down authorization
Since the government has been unresponsive to my requests to clarify its new security measures, I thought it would be best to publish the security directive in its entirety.
TSA orders pat-down of all passengers during boarding
The Transportation Security Administration has ordered airlines to perform a manual pat-down screening of all passengers on inbound international flights, “concentrating on upper legs and torso,” according to a memo sent to US Airways employees. The search must be performed by airline personnel during the boarding process, in addition to the regular screening at the checkpoint.
New airline rules address tarmac delays, retroactive contract changes, disclosures
Our friends at the Transportation Department have unleashed a blizzard of airline rule changes on us this morning.
Oops! Unredacted TSA manual released; “full review” underway by agency
The Transportation Security Administration is promising a “full review” after the release of an unredacted version of its Screening Management Standard Operating Procedures over the weekend.
Clear Airfares Act of 2009 aims to expose hidden fees and taxes
Ever wished there was a law that forces airlines to disclose all extras on their tickets? Right up front. While you’re shopping for flights.