Rep Markey: Checking Passenger Lists Before Take-off Long Overdue

Two years ago US Representative Ed Markey (D-Malden) urged Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to make sure passenger flight lists were checked before planes left the ground.  At the time passenger lists were checked against terrorist watch lists after planes had already lifted off.

Rep. Markey and other members of Congress continued to push for the security measure, and it’s now Homeland Security Department policy to check these lists before planes takeoff. 

Rep. Markey said he is glad this “long overdue” security measure is now department procedure.

“The time to detect potential terrorists on commercial flights is before boarding, not at 30,000 feet, when it could be too late…Today’s announcement signals an important advancement in aviation security for the millions of passengers and air crews flying every year,” said Rep. Markey in a statement.