The money from Biden's annual government spending budget, the FY22 Omnibus Appropriations fund, was used to upgrade the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) systems at airport checkpoints. The manufacturer was consulted to update the algorithm for "improved accuracy and efficiency."
Airports will begin implementing the new technology in January, but anyone who believes their gender was wrongly presumed now has the opportunity to request a re-screening before submitting to a physical pat-down.
According to TSA data, the government receives 26,542 complaints about screening every year. Members of the LGBTQ community have filed 6% of the complaints. This figure is generally in line with Gallup's census statistics, which show that 7% of respondents identify as LGBTQ.
Jose Bonilla, the TSA's Executive Director for Travel Engagement, told WCAX channel 3 news the following:
"I believe the new, clearer imaging equipment would result in fewer pat-downs and fewer complaints from minority communities.""We've arrived at the point where this technology ought to be gender-neutral," said Bonilla.
Source: Karollyne Hubert/Unsplash
Previously, the TSA revised its standard operating procedures (SOP) for security officers to allow less intrusive screening methods for certain passengers who activate an AIT scanner in "critical locations." The modification, which was in place until the TSA's gender-neutral AIT technology was installed, was meant to decrease pat downs without affecting security.
The TSA revised its screening standards in February and stopped taking gender into account when verifying identification. Gender is no longer taken into account by TSA agents when travelers approach the travel document checker podium.
To accommodate transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming travelers at airport checkpoints more efficiently, the TSA announced steps to adopt gender-neutral screening at airports one month later.
These steps will "promote civil rights," according to the TSA, and "enhance the consumer experience."
TSA PreCheck was also updated to be more "inclusive," with the ability to designate the gender of the applicant with an "X." TSA started letting registrants choose their gender on their own in April, regardless of the gender that is indicated on their identity cards.
The TSA's standards were brought into compliance with the State Department's declaration that Americans seeking passports after April 11 will be permitted to select "X" as a gender option thanks to the PreCheck revamp.
Regardless of the gender indicated on their birth certificate or other legal papers, all candidates are eligible for the "X" gender. The modification follows similar judgments taken by Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, among other nations.
In August 2020, the organization established the Inclusion Action Committee as an executive priority to directly assist LGBTQ and minority groups.
Choose ParkingNearAirports.io and travel profitably and conveniently!
Source: Anna Selle/Unsplash
You might be surprised about this fact because most people are confident that on-site parking is the best choice when you're traveling by air. But, actually, it's not true, and we'll explain why.
People who prefer to get to the airport by car think that it's the most convenient option since on-site parking is the nearest place to the airport where it's possible to park a vehicle safely for the period of a trip. However, they make a huge mistake, as there is a big chance to face many following difficulties:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way through the parking lot,
- You must pay expensive fees without great service, and much more.
The off-site parking service has many advantages, which will definitely convince you to change your choice during the next trip:
- First of all, it's much cheaper. On-site parking can become too costly for you, as the price for such a parking type might equal half the value of the whole trip. The cost of the off-site parking, in turn, will be not so high, offering alongside free shuttles going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport.
- Secondly, it's much faster. By choosing an on-site parking option, you'll be needed to find a free spot in a crowded lot, which takes a lot of time. However, by selecting an off-site parking option, you'll be able to drive directly to the entrance, where staff members will help you to pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle, as well as park your car securely for you. Finally, a free shuttle will bring you and your bags to the airport.
- Thirdly, it's much more convenient. No more worries about being late to the airport and your flight – the off-site parking is a hassle-free option that is usually faster. Since you use the services of a private company, people want to be sure you're satisfied with the quality and comfort of the services provided, so you don't need to wrack your brain about the quick path to the airport anymore.
Source: Yu Kato/Unsplash
As for the companies that provide the best off-site parking services, we've prepared an ideal option for you. Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, built excellent relationships with many parking lot operators to leave customers satisfied and their cars – safe. Furthermore, it doesn't matter what the airport you're flying from is – on our easy-to-navigate website, https://parkingnearairports.io/, you'll find the best deals for all the major airports and cruise ports in the United States and Canada.
To understand it better, we can give you an example. Let's imagine that you live in Jacksonville, Florida and plan to visit Houston, Texas. Then, you can use the services of cheap parking Jacksonville Airport. If you're flying from Houston, the situation is the same – choose affordable off-site parking Bush Airport. So, as you can understand, everything works simply.
By the way, on our website, you can find all the required information about the advantages of off-site parking, airport parking deals, and others. So travel profitably and enjoy your following trip together with us!
