KCM® Rules

Date: October 5, 2019
Type: AFA Article


MEC Safety Health & Security Committee

In an ongoing continuous educational effort, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Airlines for America (A4A) have collaborated in the development of the recently published KCM® Rules for Use. 

The Known Crewmember® program expedites crewmember access to sterile areas of airports, reduces congestion in passenger checkpoint screening lines and enhances security for all who depend on air transportation.  Let’s be clear – it makes our work life easier.  Access through this program is a privilege that we value and we must all do our part to ensure the success of this program.

The KCM® Rules for Use provides information on the definition of a crewmember, identification requirements while either in or out of uniform, establishes screening requirements and disqualification protocols established by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  As part of a risk based program, the TSA has determined there are certain violations of TSA security requirements by a crewmember that are inconsistent with a determination that the crewmember poses a sufficiently low risk to transportation security in order to be eligible for KCM® expedited screening, regardless of where the violation physically occurred. The duration of disqualification is related to the seriousness of the violation and/or a repeated history of regulatory violations. The TSA has implemented a standardized response from the agency for KCM® suspensions and removals. 

The KCM® Rules for Use contains a full list of statutory violations that will result in disqualification. You are encouraged to review the full list on the Known Crewmember website.  Having said this, in the interest of protecting our privilege to use these expedited sterile area access points, we should all be aware of the three main reasons for disqualification. These are:

  • Attempted access for personal international air travel
  • Transporting the property of another individual through a KCM® access point
  • Carriage of prohibited items

Depending upon the seriousness of the violation of the Code Federal Regulations (CFRs), civil or criminal penalties are possible.

Failure to follow these rules could result in temporary or permanent loss of KCM® privileges.  

Everyone is strongly encouraged to review the KCM® rules.  AFA strongly advocated for the inclusion of Flight Attendants in this program and our Union was ultimately successful at ensuring on participation in the program in 2012.  This is a valuable program from which we all benefit.  Please be sure you take the time to understand the rules when using the KCM® checkpoints.

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