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TSA Adds Teenagers to List of Items Prohibited Beyond Airport Checkpoints
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that all teenagers will be prohibited from sterile areas of airports and onboard aircraft. This action is in response to a provision in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which was signed into law by the President on December 17, 2004, and requires that "troubled" teenagers be added to TSA's Prohibited Items List.
After carefully evaluating the security threat, Congressional intent and operational considerations, TSA determined that passengers should be prohibited from bringing teenagers with them, or in carry-on luggage, in the sterile areas of airports or onboard an airplane. The policy will be fully enforced beginning April 11, 2005, the 4-1/2 year anniversary of 9/11.
"TSA is moving quickly to implement this provision passed by Congress," said Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA. "By creating policy to add teenagers to the Prohibited Items List we are closing a potential vulnerability in air travel security."
The agency also acknowledged the role passengers play in making the security process go more smoothly.
"Travelers are a valuable partner in the screening process," said Rear Adm. Stone. "If they pack smart and avoid bringing teenagers to the checkpoint, passengers can accelerate the screening process and allow us to focus on those remaining individuals and items that may be a threat to their flight."
All teenagers will be banned from sterile areas beyond security checkpoints at airports. This includes, for example, polite teenagers, surly teenagers, sleepy teenagers, teenagers in groups, teenagers traveling with parents, teenagers traveling alone, and adults or children who look or act like teenagers. Air marshals, government officials, and screeners are exempt from the ban.
TSA's mission includes preventing air piracy and use of an airplane as a weapon. TSA prohibits items that may be used to that end from being brought aboard an airplane. The teenager ban will fulfill Congress' intent as expressed in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act and reduce security vulnerabilities, providing one more layer of security for the nation's travelers.
The Department of Transportation classifies teenagers as hazardous and explosive, and prohibits them from being stowed in checked baggage. TSA will dispose of teenagers brought to checkpoints. Passengers at some airports may be able to ship their teenagers via a private company for a fee, but TSA strongly urges passengers to thoroughly inspect their party and leave their 'teens' at home before going to the airport.
For more information regarding TSA, please visit our Web site at www.tsa.gov.
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