Airport Security Personnel

Protecting U.S. skies, airports, and passengers is a huge undertaking that requires many qualified, well-trained individuals in different security roles. The most visible airport security worker is the security screener, also called the baggage and passenger screener. These workers use computers, X-ray machines, and handheld scanners to screen bags and their owners passing through airport terminals. In addition to using technology to help them identify dangerous items, they must also depend on their eyesight to catch suspicious behavior and read the X-ray screens for signs of danger. These workers must be focused and alert while also remaining personable and courteous to people being screened. The screening process can take a lot of time during high-volume travel days, and passengers waiting in line may need to arrive late for a flight, impatient, or simply rude. For this reason, security screeners must be people-oriented, able to manage crowds, and maintain composure in stressful conditions.

The need for security is not limited to the ground. Air marshals, also called security agents, have the demanding job of protecting airline passengers and staff from on-board threats, such as terrorists, hijackers, bombs, or other weapons. These workers are often covert in their operations, meaning they may be dressed and seated like an average passenger to be able to watch for suspicious behavior and surprise a potential attacker. Air marshal jobs' details are classified to protect national security, such as their exact number and identities, routes, and training procedures. However, the basics of their job are much like that of a Secret Service agent. They must be attentive to all activity around them, identify potential security threats, and deal with dangerous individuals or objects once exposed on board. The main difference between air marshals and other security agents is that they must be trained and able to handle possible warfare in a confined space at 30,000 feet.

Another airport security job of high importance is that of security director. These workers, hired by the federal government, are responsible for all security personnel within an airport. They oversee the hiring, training, and work of baggage and passenger screeners, air marshals, and other security guards. Directors oversee hundreds of workers in the nation's largest airports, such as JFK in New York City or O'Hare in Chicago. Because of the high responsibility held by these workers, security directors often have previous experience in crisis management or law enforcement, such as police chiefs or military officers.