Air travelers afraid of asking Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers questions in fear of being strip-searched can now anonymously post questions on a TSA-sponsored blog and have their questions answered. Why do shoes need to be taken off when passing through airport security checkpoints? Why does grandma need to take off her sweater? Why do liquids need to fit in a clear bag? These are some of the questions TSA bloggers are addressing.
TSA’s blog, called “Evolution of Security”, launched on January 30, 2008, and is a big step toward opening dialogue between the TSA and air travelers. The blog tagline is, “Terrorists Evolve. Threats Evolve. Security Must Stay Ahead. You Play A Part.” Just three days after launching, more than 700 comments had been posted by curious and frustrated traveling bloggers.
Evolution of Security: Who are the TSA Bloggers?
Kip Hawley, Administrator and Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration, posted the blog’s welcome post. He explains the purpose of "Evolution of Security" is to create dialogue on TSA issues rather than create one-sided conversation. He promises “straight answers” while challenging the traveling public “with new ideas and involve” the public “in upcoming changes.”
While TSA leadership has some involvement in the blog, five TSA employees in the field are the primary bloggers. Profiles for each blogger contain a personal element which is probably a way for the TSA to attach a human quality to the organization. Travelers sometimes forget TSA employees are people too.
Evolution of Security: Say What?
The TSA blog posts have personality, a dash of humor and a light approachable tone, something most air travelers don’t experience while passing through airport security checkpoints. The physical appearance of the blog is easy to navigate, uncluttered and simple.
TSA bloggers post a topic to spark conversation and where appropriate, include links leading to the TSA website to clarify a topic. These include clarifications on TSA rules such as whether tweezers and nail clippers are permitted on board planes (yes, as of publication, they are permitted). Readers are encouraged to comment and ask questions.
Under the January 31, 2008, post “Gripes & Grins,” readers are asked to comment on positive and negative experiences with the TSA. As expected, many posters aren’t holding back in negative experiences. Gripes range from specific experiences to general observations. A few compliments are thrown in by sympathetic travelers and many suggestions to improve the security checkpoint process are included, too.
"Evolution of Security" is using Blogger as the blogging platform. Readers can post either anonymously, enter a name or use their blogging identity such as using their Blogger/Google account. Comments are monitored by the TSA and posts containing profanity, rants or which are deconstructive will not be posted. Constructive comments are welcomed.
Evolution of Security: Is it What Travelers Need?
During a time when passengers are frustrated with air travel and a Passenger Bill of Rights is on the tip of every traveler’s mind, the TSA blog just may be what passengers need. A place to vent and be heard without worrying about being strip-searched.
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