Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Carry-On Baggage Standards Are Key Component

Washington, DC, November 29, 2012 – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) International President Veda Shook today testified before the United States House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure’s Aviation Subcommittee on the effects of aviation policy and regulations inside the aircraft cabin.

“The skies are safer today than they were before September 11th and much of this is thanks to the Transportation Security Administration’s federalized workforce and the thorough security screening of airline passengers, crew, and airport employees,” testified Shook. “Federalizing airport screening has improved the security of air travel, making Flight Attendant jobs and passenger travel safer today. Additionally, by applying appropriate screening levels to low-risk travelers, the experience of all travelers has continued to improve. The Known Crewmember Program (KCM) is yet another example of a successfully implemented TSA program that creates shorter lines, thus improving the passenger experience. Today, Flight Attendants at all types of carriers – legacy, regional and niche – are participating in KCM with huge success.”

Elaborating on ways to improve aviation security while streamlining the passenger experience, Shook added that AFA continues to call for the adoption of reasonable and uniform limits for carry-on baggage.

“Creating a national standard for carry-on baggage would reduce passenger confusion, streamline and improve the security of the screening process, and enable Flight Attendants to more efficiently board aircraft. Additionally, it will allow for more efficient screening at security checkpoints and also improve the ability of Flight Attendants to more effectively observe passengers for possible security threats.”

For a copy of AFA’s written testimony, visit www.afacwa.org .

The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org .