Speaking at a hearing on the DHS proposal requiring airlines to collect the biometric data of foreign nationals leaving the US, Regional Airline Association President Roger Cohen blasted the scheme charging “DHS makes it clear it is simply checking a box to meet a deadline, rather than making sound policy that actually provides for the safety and security of the traveling public and all Americans.
“The US-Visit program” he continued, “would be the wrong approach at any time. But, given the status of the industry with gas prices soaring, airlines going belly up and everyone bleeding red ink, this proposal would be piling on of the worst sort during one of the industries darkest hours, including 9-11.”
Cohen went on to point out that this program would not only affect foreigners departing the US, but would also cause massive delays for the traveling public, especially those flying to the 70 percent of U.S. airports served only by regional airlines. He argued that “by placing biometric readers at all ticket counters and all gates you would delay the travel of all passengers, not just the target audience.” He added that a year ago President Bush made passenger delays one of his top agenda items. “FAA and DOT have spent countless man hours figuring out ways to supposedly reduce delays and help passengers, and this policy could throw all that work down the drain.”
RAA urged DHS to drop the rule as it is proposed, and to “go back to the drawing board, and work with industry in order to create a rule that will work for DHS, the travel industry, and most importantly the traveling public.”