A flight crew union has blasted the decision to allow the non-flying public into secure departure areas at Pittsburgh Airport.
Bob Ross, national president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, described it as a ‘bad idea that needs to be reversed.’~’
Pittsburgh becomes the first airport since 9/11 to allow non-ticketed public to see off friends or family at the gate or to shop.
The pilot program begins from Tuesday.
"Aviation security relies on a layered approach where if terrorists breach a layer, second and third layers come into play to protect us. Letting our guard down in Pittsburgh or any other airport for the benefit of retailers is not the right approach to airline safety and security" Ross said in a statement.
Airport officials say the concern is unfounded as all non-flyers will go through the same security standards as passengers.
"Security is the first priority all the time, every day, period. This is like adding additional flights. These are people going through the exact same protocols (as passengers)," said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority.
Ross says it adds an unwanted burden on TSA screening and sets a dangerous precedent.
He has contacted the US secretary of transportation and the Department of Homeland Security to express the union’s concerns.
"If it were to expand to other airports, we’re opening up a Pandora’s box and overburdening security staffs."
