How Is TSA Ensuring Flights from Cuba Are Secure?
Posted on August 23, 2018
It wasn’t long ago that the only way to fly to Cuba from the United States was via a private plane or a chartered flight.
However, in August 2016, the first scheduled commercial flight in over 50 years made the trip and new agreements allowed daily scheduled flights between the two countries.
So, how does the Transportation Security Administration ensure the security of U.S.-bound aircraft from Cuba? Today’s WatchBlog explores our recent report on what TSA found in Cuba.
Why Does TSA Assess Foreign Airports and Carriers?
As part of its mission to ensure the security of the U.S. civil aviation system, TSA assesses security at foreign airports to which U.S. carriers fly or from where U.S.-bound flights depart, and inspects carriers. TSA performs assessments and inspections at 9 airports across Cuba.
During these assessments and inspections, TSA looks at issues such as:
- who has access to secured areas of the airport and how that access is controlled,
- checked baggage screening,
- passenger screening, and
- whether the proper signs and notifications to travelers are displayed at the airport.
- Questions on the content of this post? Contact William Russell at RussellW@gao.gov.
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