color coded passengers?

[corytx]

Anyone else see the plan to give passengers a color code similar to the terrorist alert colors. Passengers would be given a risk factor color based on where they are traveling, who they are traveling with, and when the ticket was purchased. People given a green code would be able to pass through security easily, yellow would be looked at and searched, and red would be detained and questioned.

My question is this, does the airline industry need this right now? To me this is going to cause more people to be afraid to fly because of the risk of being red coded, even though they do not plan on causing harm (false alarm). I can see fals arrest being made because someone purchased their ticket from NY to LA at a certain time and they are traveling alone. Just thought I would see what the opinion was from people already in the industry.

 

[mar]

Ya probably ain't gonna get much talk...

...on this topic 'cause airport security is real sore point for work-a-day pilots *and* it's already been discussed ad nauseum.

But that's never stopped me before.

Of course I think it's ridiculous because like everything else the TSA pushes it would reduce the efficiency of the operation and provide no real protection.

The TSA really ought to look up the term Red Herring and fully wrap their minds around that concept before proceeding any further.

For example, I'm an airline employee and a passport holder. I have been subjected to a 10-year background check. I've been fingerprinted. I've been drug tested. I've been photographed. I've been physically examined by an AME. Some of us have had psychological tests administered during our initial employment interview, etc, etc, etc...

I often travel alone and at the last minute. If I'm travelling on a ticket I often won't shave. And by the way, I'm 35 and of Mediterranean descent.

Am I a threat? Hardly.

In fact I've been scrutinized more than the TSA thugs.

What we need is a centralized database where you flash your new and improved passport, press your hand against a screen or put your retina up to a lens to be read and presto! you're on board.

Two problems:

1) Some are paranoid enough of the Govt that they don't want to be included in a database. Fine. Stand in line for extra security--I suppose that's your choice. My choice is to breeze thru security.

2) The technology is expensive and the protocol not perfect. But I'm of the opinion that no flight is safe. In fact living is the Number One cause of Death. I'll take my chances on that big jet airplane (with apologies to Led Zepplin).

 

[jarhead]

corytx

I am not sure that being "red coded" is a reason or cause to be placed under arrest. It is a flag for a more extensive "check" No one will be arrested for buying a ticket with cash, or short notice for a one way trip. It may subject one to extra scrutiny.....but not arrest (unless he's carrying an Uzzi in his carry-on luggage). Inconvenient, Yes............Arrest.....no.

I am not commenting on the righteousness or B.S. about it, as I just don't know.

I have also read (or heard somewhere) that a pax might be red coded if the last or first name had too many letters, vowels, or consonants in it. Jones and Smith could be less "risk" than names like Abdulah or Omar (or Osama and Saddam)

Ya, it ain't fair, but it might be reality, and reality bites sometimes.

 

[TonyC]

I am not sure that being "red coded" is a reason or cause to be placed under arrest.

No, being labeled RED just means you won't board an airplane. Period. They are considered, for whatever reason or reasons, too great a risk.

It is a flag for a more extensive "check" No one will be arrested for buying a ticket with cash, or short notice for a one way trip. It may subject one to extra scrutiny.....but not arrest (unless he's carrying an Uzzi in his carry-on luggage). Inconvenient, Yes............Arrest.....no.

No, that's being coded YELLOW. And GREEN means you'll get expedited screening.

ACLU is already having a hay day with this. And they have a legitimate case.

I'm with MAR - - central database, voluntary. Participate, breeze through security. Don't participate, wait in line with the masses. Just MHO.

 

[saabcaptain]

the w. post stated today that red coded passengers will account for "only 1-2%" of passengers. Does that mean on our 270 seat aircraft nearly 3 to 6 passengers PER FLIGHT will be denied boarding due to security risks... someone must have their facts wrong...? Also the color coding only seeks to make people nervous and upset at why they are being coded yellow or red... hopefully this will be hidden from them in terms of what grading they actually got.