Threats in the public areas of airports have increased, prompting the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a recommendation to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) administrator.
The recommendation suggests the administration develop a plan outlining roles and responsibilities for members of the Public Area Security Working Group. The plan also should include the frequency of the working group meetings and mechanisms for collaboration.
Baggage claim, ticket counters, and other public areas are vulnerable to attack because people can enter them without screening.
In 2013, a TSA officer was killed at a security checkpoint at Los Angeles International Airport, and in 2017, five people were killed at a Florida baggage claim. Other attacks have drawn attention to the need for better security.
Since the incidents, the TSA has taken action to better address airport security in public areas.
The working group was established to address best security practices that include airport operators and industry associations. The TSA has not developed a plan for how the group will operate.
The TSA, in coordination with various aviation security stakeholders, also issued the Public Area Security National Framework in 2017. The framework includes 11 best practices and non-binding recommendations for improving the security of public areas.