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Hot Topic: Somebody Has to Address the Subject of IFE Related Security!

We tackled this Hot Topic with some trepidation but we felt that it was a subject that needed to be addressed. We are not security experts, but some of our readers are and we expect these individuals to address this subject in the coming months.

As if airline travel isn’t stressful enough, the recent arrest this past week of 24 people in the U.K for plotting to bomb U.S.-bound aircraft has sent tremors around the world, and the aviation community in particular. Authorities indicated that the would-be bombers were planning to use common stable liquid chemicals stored in popular sports drink bottles which, when combined, create an explosive cocktail to be detonated by a mobile phone or MP3 player or a flash camera after take-off. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) immediately issued new rules banning nearly all liquids, including beverages, lotions and hair gels, from being taken on planes. British airlines went even further, banning all carry-on luggage except for keys, wallets, glasses and other essentials. Medications and baby formula are being allowed after careful inspection. Here are links to the website alerts for carry-on status from the UK for three US airlines

• American Airlines
• United Air Lines
• Continental Airlines

The impact to portable IFE can be found in a quote from one airline: “No electrical or battery powered items including laptops, mobile phones, iPods, remote controls etc. can be carried in the cabin and must be checked as baggage” (Travel from the UK to US only). This may only be the beginning of a troubling new trend. What is the cost to IFE? Not taking swift action is too horrific to contemplate but the ripple effect for the IFE industry is particularly acute as measured in revenue impact, stricter pre-boarding and onboard procedures and technology adaptation. In a Draconian in-flight entertainment universe, we see the possibility of color-coded security levels for onboard IFE and we wanted to share our thoughts to get the ball rolling (Note: This is only an example of a possible scenario and is not tied to existing security levels. No input from any governing body was sought or used).

RED – Passengers are not permitted to bring aboard any personal in-flight entertainment or communication devices of any kind (battery powered or otherwise)…all items must be in checked baggage if they are to travel with the passenger. Further, all IFE and passenger related communication devices onboard the aircraft must be provided by the airline AND they must be installed on the airplane with accompanying certification levels. All passenger access to AC or DC power is forbidden.

ORANGE – Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any personal in-flight entertainment devices (PEDs). In-flight entertainment and passenger communication devices provided by the airline must be installed on the aircraft (STC/TSO). Handout devices must be stored in bond at the airport, randomly checked, and the life cycle processes must be security monitored. Passenger access to power is not permitted or if so, only thru airline approved and provided plugs and receptacles. Furthermore, IFE service companies who now distribute handout devices must require their employees undergo thorough TSA/FBI screening to lower the risk of tampering.

YELLOW – Passengers are permitted to bring aboard battery powered, APPROVED PEDs and laptops (whatever that means) and are subject to proof of approval stamp with checking at security. No approval stamp means no carry-on. Passengers do not have access to aircraft power thru approved and supplied plugs and receptacles. All other requirements for onboard IFE remain as they do today.

GREEN – All IFE requirements remain as they are today for airline provided equipment and passenger carried entertainment, productivity, and communication devices. Power is available to passengers as it is today.

Security is everyone’s problem. We provide the above “straw horse” as an example of one area, visible to the passenger, out of dozens of heightened security steps airlines and governments could be taking in the very near future. We want to hear from our readers on this one and we promise to share your feedback. Send your thoughts on IFE security to terry.wiseman@gmail.com. Stay tuned!
 

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Liquids and Gels Discarded With Weary Surrender
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59th Annual NBAA Meeting & Convention
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IFExpress is sponsored in part by: