ALPA is not spending money on FAs....yet. ALPA only has stated that FAs should be part of this program. It's up to the TSA, A4A and whoever the technology company is to implement that database...and then get the FA unions to share in the costs just like we are already doing so we DON'T spend money on the FAs.

In regards to the comment that FAs shouldn't be allowed to do this because it would be easy for terrorists to become FAs:

#1. They go through the same background checks we do for employment

#2. What about this trusted traveler program? The TSA and the airlines want expedited screening for those frequent fliers willing to submit to a background check. Is this any different? I mean a terrorist could really lay low and then submit to this program. Does that concern you? (Personally this has been my concern.)

ALPA is most certainly spending money on it. Folks paid by our dues money are spending time (on our dime) considering and advocating to get KCM for FAs.

Its VERY different. Expedited means quicker, not swipe and go. And trusted travelers don't have flight deck access. Ever. Horrible idea. Off the street and a month later security free access on planes and in the flight deck just because they pass a check is the dumbest idea in aviation history.

Once again, they already have flight deck access. What do they need to "hide" to get it? Don't care how big you are. A well placed elbow will do a good enough job.

Does anyone have a rough idea on how much this program cost for an airline ? My airline has a base where they have this currently established and yet we don't have it . I was just thinking maybe it was a cost issue ?

Thanks

I was under the impression that CASS was the requirement. Is there more?

The older version of the KCM (forgot its name) that is in Pittsburgh and a few other places uses CASS. The KCM system is linked directly to the companie's employee database.

There are things far more effective than an elbow someone with no screening could bring along. And the vast majority of people are nowhere near martial arts experts and skilled elbow throwers. But you knew that. You dating an FA or something?

Most wouldn't be a problem of course. I know many FA's and for the most part they are good people. But this isn't about how much we love and respect them and think of them as equal human beings getting an equitable perk just because another work group has it. Granting screening free access to hundreds of thousands in a profession that's 3 weeks from off the street to flight deck access is the worst idea possible.

We've seen the kinds of smuggling operations other lower skilled work groups with this level of oversight have done. Pretty scary stuff. So far it hasn't been worse. So far. So now let's let hundreds of thousands more do it...with flight deck access too? Just to prove how "fair" we are?

Who cares about KCM, they now have KPA (known Passeneger Access) did you miss that. Now I can not wait for this to fail and then as always the HSA/TSA will blanket deny all access including KCM. Want to bet.

KPA still get xrayed, just don't have to remove shoes or do the body scanner. Still subject to random testing.

Hell the FA's have access to corkscrews, forks, and other serving utensils...those can do plenty of damage.

I just don't want my union wasting my dues on them. If they have some much cash on hand that they can use it to bargain and provide things for non-members, give us a refund and lower the percentage of dues withheld.

I also see it as a possible smuggling opportunity. The pay for FA's is aberrant and some may be susceptible to the thought of trying to make a few extra duckets. Or the local drug ring finds out about this and then sends a few folks to get jobs at airlines and 4 weeks later you have mules.