Security Policy Alert: TSA and CBP Now Requiring Facial Protection for Employees

May 7, 2020

TSA has announced that in the comings days the agency will require its employees to wear facial protection when they are performing screening operations.  TSA is requiring facial protection in cooperation with airport and airline partners as an additional measure to help minimize spread of COVID-19 and help raise the overall health and safety level inside the airport environment. 

AAAE has also confirmed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that the agency will require officers to wear facial protection for primary and secondary processing of travelers at airports.

Yesterday, in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee, AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli recommended that all passengers and employees in the airport environment wear appropriate face coverings.  Hauptli also called for a clear and consistent framework from the federal government including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help protect the health and safety of passengers and aviation workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A federal framework would help airports, airlines, FAA, TSA, CBP and other partners to ensure passengers receive consistent treatment and protection throughout their travel experience.

To view the TSA press release on facial coverings, please click here.

To read AAAE's Hauptli's full statement before the Senate Commerce Committee, please click here.