Transportation Security Administration

A U.S. agency, created following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, that is charged with developing policies to ensure the safety of U.S. air traffic and other forms of traffic. The mission of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to protect the transportation systems of the United States, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce. Airport security and preventing aircraft hijacking are important concerns of the TSA.

The public face of the Transportation Security Administration is seen in the form of uniformed screeners at airports as part of airport security. Screeners examine both passengers, through a rigorous screening process including X-rays, and luggage, through larger screening machines. Screeners and some of their administrative procedures, including the ...