The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) applauded the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Homeland Security for quickly implementing new regulations to protect the United States and travelers around the world. NBTA is pleased that U.S. officials will also be meeting with leaders from international airports to determine what additional security policies should be examined and implemented.

Michael W. McCormick, NBTA Executive Director & COO, said, “NBTA’s call for added security and international cooperation has been addressed, and travelers from across the globe can now rest assured their safety is the number one priority of governments around the world. The new TSA regulations will work to help protect international travelers and national security. These new rules will also keep businesses traveling and the lines of international commerce open in a time when economic boosts are needed most.”

The new TSA security directive, which goes into effect today, increases the use of screening technologies and mandates threat-based and random screening for passengers on U.S. bound international flights. Passengers flying into the United States through or from 14 countries that sponsor terrorism or are “of interest” will be required to go through enhanced airport security screening, including pat-downs and full body scans.

McCormick continued, “NBTA encourages governments and airports to strike the proper balance of safety and efficiency in these new regulations and future policy changes. On behalf of business travelers around the world, we plan to monitor the outcome of these new regulations, seeking feedback from the business travel community on convenience and safety. We are also hopeful that in addition to physical screening enhancements, the United States will work more closely with international bodies to address watch list procedures and risk management programs that should serve as tools to help improve the aviation security system.”