On Wednesday, June 27th, the Arizona Chapter of ASTA offered an educational seminar and dinner, open to the entire travel industry. Speakers for the event were Deborah Ostreicher, Deputy Aviation Director from the City of Phoenix, and Dave Couts, Assistant Federal Security Director for Screening Operations from the Department of Homeland Security: TSA. “Items of a topical nature are of continued concern for most agents and suppliers,” said Mark Torpey, CTC, Arizona ASTA Board Member, and Chair of the Communications Committee. “Our goal is to provide a source of up-to-date information to members of the travel community. In turn, agents and suppliers can provide assistance to their clients as the busy travel season approaches”, Torpey added.
According to Ostreicher, Sky Harbor Airport, or PHX, is the 6th busiest airport in the United States. Construction will be ongoing well into the future including the development of lightrail access and a new terminal to replace existing Terminal 2.
Couts outlined the extensive task that TSA has not only at the airport, but across the entire region, including general aviation facilities, flight schools, waterways, and the rail system. He also indicated that Phoenix is a pilot site for new TSA technology, such as the ‘Backscatter’ x-ray.
Both Ostreicher and Couts could not emphasize enough, the importance of travelers being prepared by arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their departure, expecting long lines and abiding by TSA’s 3-1-1 policy. Each traveler can carry on no more than 3 ounces of liquids and gels that will fit into a 1 quart Ziploc bag with only 1 bag per passenger. Passengers must also remember to take this out of their luggage as they pass through screening. Following these simple rules can truly expedite the travails of traveling.
During the meeting, Laura Rodríguez-Verbera, President of the Arizona ASTA chapter, offered a presentation describing the function of ASTA and recent changes. David Evans, AZASTA Tradeshow Committee Chair, detailed plans for Fiesta in the Desert IV, scheduled for Friday August 17th through Saturday, August 18th, 2007 at the newly renovated Crown Plaza San Marcos Resort in Chandler, AZ. Also, several hotel stays were given away as door prizes, courtesy of Travel Connection.
Photo Album
The following images are of the evening’s events. To view a larger image, click on the thumbnail.
