Crewmember Questions and Answers
Q. What should I expect when using a KCM access point?
A. Expect to enter the sterile area of an airport via an alternative access point, which may be separate from the passenger security- screening lanes. You will be met by a TSA Security Officer (TSO) who will ask for both your company identification and a TSA-accepted, non-expired, government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. The TSO (i.e., screener) will match the identification to your appearance and confirm your identity and current employment status via the KCM system. Once these tasks are successfully completed, you will be allowed to proceed into the sterile area, with no other screening or inspection of your person or accessible property. It is possible, however, that you and your accessible property items may be selected for random screening. Random screening is built in as a check and balance to ensure the integrity of the KCM system.
Q. Uniformed crewmembers are allowed exemptions by the TSA when they are screened at the passenger screening checkpoint. With the change of the uniform requirement, how does this impact the exemptions at the KCM access point and at the passenger screening checkpoint?
A. Effective January 13, 2015, crewmembers are no longer required to wear uniforms when utilizing the KCM access points at airports nationwide. Uniformed crewmembers are allowed exemptions by the TSA when they are screened at KCM access points and passenger screening checkpoints. With the change of the uniform requirement, these exemptions at the KCM access point and at the passenger screening checkpoint will be permitted in accordance with the following:
a. Uniformed crewmembers will continue to have exemptions at the passenger screening checkpoint and the KCM access point.
b. Non-uniformed crewmembers, who are selected and receive random screening at the KCM access point, will continue to have exemptions.
c. c. Non-uniformed crewmembers who are selected for random screening at KCM access points, then directed by the TSA officer to the passenger screening checkpoint (at either the standard lane or employee lane, where available) to receive screening:
• WILL NOT be allowed exemptions
• Are not permitted to utilize TSA Pre✓™ lanes
• Do not have front-of-the-line access to the standard passenger screening lane
• (Note: Non-uniformed crewmembers are viewed as passengers when screened at passenger screening checkpoints and are screened to passenger screening standards. This is a longstanding rule that has not been changed.)
Q. When can a crewmember use the KCM access point?
A. Crewmembers can utilize the KCM access points for both business and personal use. TSA Officers do not make a determination as to whether a crewmember is on active duty for a flight, traveling for business, or traveling for personal reasons. TSA Officers should not ask crewmembers their reason for using the KCM. Crewmembers must have the required identification to use KCM. The crewmember’s airline also must participate in KCM in order to be eligible.
Q. What do I do if my KCM barcode card is lost or stolen?
A. Request a new KCM barcode card from your airline management. Once you receive your new KCM barcode card, login to your secure account at www.mykcmsupport.com. Update your new KCM barcode card number in your account.
Q. How long will the KCM processing take?
A. Under normal circumstances, a typical KCM transaction should require about 15 seconds. The time required to complete the process is contingent on a number of factors, such as the speed at which the system responds, or the presence and length of a queue, as other crewmembers may be waiting to be processed, and crewmembers having approved identification for the TSA TSO to process out and available.
Q. Does KCM mean that I will never be screened in the traditional checkpoint fashion when passing through a KCM access point?
A. No. Crewmembers may be directed to passenger-screening lines as part of a random screening-selection process, or whenever the KCM access point is not operational. Should the KCM access point become inoperative, TSA security officers will direct crewmembers to the passenger-screening checkpoints.
Q. What should I do if I am selected for random screening at a KCM access point?
A. Cooperate fully with the TSA TSO. Without delay, proceed to the passenger security screening checkpoint as directed. Do not attempt to access another KCM access point at that airport. Failure to go through a passenger security screening checkpoint after being identified for random screening may result in action by the TSA which may include a loss of KCM privileges for that crewmember. Random screening is a normal feature screening. It is incorporated for your protection and to ensure the integrity of the system.
Q. Does using KCM preclude any chance that I may be selected for additional screening after I successfully transit an access point and proceed into the sterile area of an airport?
A. No. All air carrier employees are subject to TSA screening practices conducted within sterile areas, which include roving screening teams, random gate screening, and questioning by behavioral detection officers (BDOs). KCM does not exempt a crewmember from complying with these additional screening techniques.
Q. Will my carry-on items be inspected when I proceed through a KCM access point?
A. No, unless you are selected for random passenger-style screening, in which case, both you and your carry-on items will be screened via traditional checkpoint screening protocols.
Q. Am I permitted to escort anyone with me through a KCM access point?
A. No. Every person who attempts to enter the sterile area of an airport via a KCM access point must be cleared individually by a screening officer.
Q. Am I permitted to transport additional carry-on items that are not my own through a KCM access point?
A. No. Crewmembers are permitted to bring only their personal carry-on items through a KCM access point. You may not transport carry-on items that are not your own when entering an airport sterile area via KCM. Failure to comply with the restriction may result in loss of KCM privileges for that crewmember.
Crewmembers are permitted to bring personal property through the KCM access points as long as it is not on the TSA’s Prohibited Items List (PIL) and the individuals have been approved by the KCM system and verified by a TSA Officer.
Pets are not allowed through the KCM access point with the crewmember. Crewmembers with pets will be directed to the passenger screening checkpoint and screened in accordance with TSA screening procedures.
Q. What should I do if the TSA cannot validate my identity and employment status at the KCM access point?
A. If the TSA cannot confirm your identity or current employment status at the KCM access point, you will be directed to the passenger-screening checkpoint in order to access the sterile area. Please follow TSA instructions and do not attempt to resolve the issue with transportation security officers, as they are unable to rectify system failures or denials. A KCM denial could result from a database error that is nonspecific to you, or it might involve a miscommunication with your air carrier. If you believe that a KCM denial occurred relative to your employment status, please enter the sterile area as directed via the passenger-screening checkpoint and, when time permits, ask your airline supervisor for assistance in rectifying the situation with your carrier.
Q. Does KCM change any other TSA regulations regarding when and what types of items I may carry onboard an aircraft?
A. No. You are subject to all existing crewmember regulations regarding the types of items that may be carried onboard an aircraft. KCM does not provide any other exemptions or privileges regarding the items that you carry, other than those already articulated in TSA regulations.
Q. Why are not all airlines participating in KCM?
A. It is the goal of TSA and A4A to ultimately include all U.S. airlines in KCM. KCM started as a trial program in 2011, but was approved by the TSA as a standing program in 2012 and is now available on a subscription basis to any TSA-approved airline. Crewmembers should check with their airline for further information about their carrier’s participation in the program.
Q. Are non-U.S. airlines involved in KCM?
A. There is no reciprocal agreement between the United States and other countries for use of KCM.
Q. Where can I submit feedback regarding KCM?
A. Questions and feedback by crewmembers should be directed to their respective airlines.
Q. Can a crewmember individually join KCM if their airline does not participate in the program?
A. No. The KCM system uses a secure connection to communicate with the participating airline’s crewmember database to determine the eligibility and employment status of the crewmember.
Q. How is the KCM barcode card used?
A. The KCM barcode card is used to expedite the crewmember verification process at the KCM access points.
Q. My airline is participating in the KCM program; where can I get a KCM barcode card?
A. A crewmember will be issued a KCM barcode card from their participating airline management staff. Once you receive the barcode card, follow the instructions on the back to register it into the KCM system. Once registered, you may begin using the barcode card at any active KCM access point. Again, you must present your airline ID as well as a US government-issued photo ID to utilize the KCM access points.
Q. Difficulties with KCM Account Activation or Barcode Card Registration?
A. Airlines for America (A4A) has received some reports of crewmembers experiencing technical difficulties while trying to activate a KCM account or register a KCM barcode card on the www.mykcmsupport.com website. Some crewmembers with an AOL or EarthLink e-mail account are reporting issues related to the spam blocker these Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use. Crewmembers that experience technical difficulties, while either activating an account or registering a KCM barcode card should contact the KCM service provider directly at [email protected].
