U.S. MAY NIX RANDOM AIRPORT

U.S. MAY NIX RANDOM AIRPORT CHECKS, according to ABCNews.com:

A spokesman for the Air Transport Association, which represents major airlines, said the random checks are unnecessary.

“Random gate screening doesn’t really add any additional measure of security,” Michael Wascom said via cell phone from Tampa International Airport, where he was about to be screened at the gate. He said more sophisticated passenger and baggage screening makes random gate screening unnecessary.

Loy, who became head of the TSA after his predecessor was accused of ignoring passenger convenience, said he wants to balance security with customer service. He has already gotten rid of the requirement that passengers be asked questions about whether they have kept a close eye on their baggage. He has also decided to allow passengers to carry drinks through security checkpoints. He calls the random gate screenings “hassle checks.”