Transportation Security Administration

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has authority over the security of transportation systems within, and connecting to, the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11 attacks to improve airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security under a combined federal law enforcement and regulatory agency.
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Some of the key events about Transportation Security Administration

  • 2001
    Established to strengthen transportation security in response to the September 11 attacks
  • 2002
    Implemented 100% checked baggage screening at airports nationwide
  • 2002
    TSA screeners failed to detect fake bombs and weapons in undercover tests at several major airports
  • 2003
    Launched the Federal Flight Deck Officer program to arm and train pilots
  • 2006
    Introduced the Behavior Detection Officer program to identify suspicious behavior in airports
  • 2006
    TSA implemented controversial liquid restrictions on carry-on items, inconveniencing travelers
  • 2007
    Implemented new liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage to enhance security
  • 2008
    Expanded the use of full-body scanners at airport checkpoints
  • 2010
    Full-body scanners introduced, raising privacy concerns and health worries over radiation exposure
  • 2011
    Introduced the TSA Pre✓® program for expedited screening of low-risk travelers
  • 2011
    TSA faced criticism for invasive pat-downs, including touching of sensitive body areas
  • 2013
    Expanded the TSA Pre✓® program to include more airlines and airports
  • 2013
    TSA abandoned plans to allow small knives on planes after public and airline industry backlash
  • 2015
    Undercover investigators smuggled fake explosives and weapons through TSA checkpoints 95% of the time
  • 2016
    Implemented new screening procedures for electronics larger than cell phones
  • 2016
    Long security lines at airports caused thousands of passengers to miss flights
  • 2017
    TSA failed to detect test weapons and fake explosives at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
  • 2019
    TSA officers called in sick en masse during government shutdown, causing airport delays
  • 2020
    Adapted screening procedures to address COVID-19 safety concerns in airports
  • 2021
    TSA faced scrutiny for mask enforcement policies during COVID-19 pandemic

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

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