12.01.22 – Changes to Known Crewmember (KCM)

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Changes to Known Crewmember (KCM)

Several blogs and rumors are going around about the Known Crewmember (KCM) program and its future. Known Crewmember is not going away. Instead, the program’s name will change to Expedited Crew Access (ECA), and the same risk-based alternate screening will continue as it is today. Through phases, TSA will start to assume control of the program in its entirety. It was previously overseen by Airlines for America and ALPA.

The TSA delivered the following statement to participating airlines and unions earlier today:

The TSA is continuously working with our aviation partners to ensure Known Crewmember Program (KCM) compliance. KCM is a risk-based security program that provides eligible crewmembers with an alternative entry point into the airport sterile area, which may be separate from the passenger security-screening lanes. TSA has been exploring options to continue to modernize operations of the program as it transitions to assume complete oversight of the program capabilities and operations. This transition will continue over the next few years. TSA will continue to work with our industry partners to seek ways to minimize compliance violations and ensure eligible crewmembers are utilizing the program as it was intended.

The takeaway is that random screenings will remain the new normal as violations of the program continue to occur across the system, not just at our airline. KCM remains a privilege, not a right, despite the frustration we all feel with the high number of random screenings crews are faced with daily.

As the proposed changes are announced, we will share that information to ensure you are well-versed on what to expect from the TSA and Expedited Crew Access (ECA).

In Solidarity,

Andrew Rhinehart
APFA National Safety & Security Department Interim Chair
[email protected]