7.21.22 – TSA Requirements and KCM Reminders

Thursday, July 21, 2022

• Update Your Employee Central Profile by August 5th
• Known Crewmember (KCM) Reminders

Update Your Employee Central Profile by August 5th

The Company recently informed Flight Attendants of a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirement to ensure our profiles are up-to-date in the Employee Central (EC) database. This requirement is for all active US-based employees, not just crewmembers.

What needs to be updated?

The following pieces of information should be included in your EC profile:

• Country of citizenship
• Second country of citizenship (if applicable)
• Country of birth
• State (if applicable)
• City of birth

 

If they are not, please update your profile by the August 5th deadline established by TSA. If this information is already present in your profile, no action is necessary.

One of the benefits to providing this additional information is it may minimize false positives when TSA conducts vetting. For example: If you have a common last name like, ‘Smith,’ having more information on file may further differentiate you from others with the same last name which will help avoid any discrepancies (eg at Immigration and Customs checkpoints).

If you make changes in Employee Central (EC), be sure to call your FSM or base Crew Service Center so they can make the same changes in DECS/FOS. (The two systems don’t “talk” to each other).

The path to make these updates in EC is: Jetnet > Team Member Services> Update my information > then click on the “Get Started” link:

Once in your profile, select the pencil icon to edit your information.

The company has also suggested this would be a good time to make sure your emergency contact information is current. On Jetnet, go to Team Member Services > Update my information > Update your emergency contact information. Select the pencil icon to edit your information.

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Known Crewmember (KCM) Reminders

Utilizing KCM for Personal International Travel

The TSA continues to observe and investigate cases of crewmembers using KCM while on personal travel to international locations. KCM regulations explicitly prohibits use for personal international travel.

Corporate Security sends the APFA Safety and Security Department a monthly list of all Flight Attendants who have been found to have violated KCM rules regarding personal international travel. We have reached out to the Company for comment on what is the process for those found to be in violation and it is as follows:

• First Violation – All crewmembers found to have violated KCM rules regarding international travel will have a mandatory meeting with their FSM, to discuss the violations and or investigate if a violation has actually occurred, as well as to counsel on how to avoid violations in the future. This meeting may result in a performance advisory depending on severity of the violation.
• Second Violation – All crewmembers found to have violated KCM rules for personal international travel a second time will lose KCM privileges for ninety (90) days.
• Third Violation – Violating these rules a third time may result in a 12-month suspension or longer, depending on the situation.

As a reminder to all the KCM program was achieved through many years of lobbying on Capitol Hill. It is not a contractual right, and much like any privilege, it can be taken away when abused and misused. Failure to adhere to the KCM rules can result in an individual’s suspension from the program. The TSA can also terminate an airline’s access to the program if the number of violations is exceedingly high, and that means for everyone.

We ask that you please maintain your professionalism at the KCM checkpoints, remain vigilant and comply with the KCM regulations. Given the increasing number of violations we are experiencing, it is imperative that you read, familiarize yourself, and abide by the KCM Program Rules.

If you are unsure of what items you can or cannot bring through the secured area, check the Prohibited Items List on the TSA website.

The only exemption we are allowed while in uniform is from the 3-1-1 Liquids, Aerosols, Gels rule. If items are prohibited for passengers, those items are also prohibited for us.

In Solidarity,

Andrew Rhinehart
APFA National Safety & Security Representative
[email protected]