NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Senator Charles Schumer called for new airport security measures Sunday, in order to close a loophole that currently allows would-be terrorists to print fake boarding passes, elude TSA boarding pass checking-agents, and board a plane.In a statement Sunday, Schumer warned that anyone with basic computer skills can print a fake boarding pass and avoid scrutiny by airport security. With the growing popularity of online check-in, the convenience allows boarding passes to be easily forged and copied, he said.
"It's unbelievable that after years of recalibrating aviation and airport security so that we can keep a close eye on suspicious individuals, this enormous hole remains in the system. It has rendered the terrorist watch list nearly useless," Schumer said. "The terrorists are always looking for our weakest link and we can't leave any stone unturned."
Schumer is now calling for a second, required ID check at the gate to ensure the name on your boarding pass matches that on your photo ID. The proposal would replicate security procedures taken post- 9/11, but are no longer in practice.
He's also calling for the fast track program to better encrypt boarding pass barcodes.
Lastly, Schumer has proposed introducing new legislation to make it a federal crime to alter or forge a boarding pass, or any other travel document. The crime would be the same as the crime of making a fake ID.
