KCM

• Crew Members are not required to declare if they are working or commuting when accessing the KCM portal.

• Crew Members should always be prepared for a random security search and should comply without issue when directed to the regular airport security screening entrance by the TSA agent. If a Crew Member attempts to access another KCM portal entry or employee portal access after being directed to the regular airport security screening, they will lose their KCM access authorization and be subjected to personal punitive action by the TSA.

• Every Crew Member is expected to be in full uniform with only their personal carry on bags in their possession. There is no specific language on the number of allowed bags allowed for each Crew Member, nor is there any specific language on the size, color or type of bags allowed. TSA expects Crew Members to only be in possession of the bags they use while on duty. If a Crew Member is denied entry at a KCM portal based on issues with a personal bag, they should comply with the directive of the TSA agent and then document the TSA agent’s name, the time, date and the specific KCM portal entry location and submit a report to either Flt Svc Security, Kim Peysha, or APFA Safety & Security, Kelly Skyles.

• KCM bar code card is not mandatory for KCM entry, but a valid Crew Member ID and valid passport or driver’s license is required.

Here is the Q & A from www.Knowncrewmember.org regarding KCM.

CREW MEMBERS

• What should I expect when using a KCM access point? 
• What constitutes “in uniform” for using a KCM access point? 
• How long will this process take? 
• Does KCM mean that I will never be screened in the traditional checkpoint fashion when passing through a KCM access point? 
• What should I do if I am selected for random screening at a KCM access point? 
• Does using KCM preclude any chance that I may be selected for additional screening after I successfully transit an access point and proceed into the sterile area of an airport? 
• Will my carry-on items be inspected when I proceed through a KCM access point? 
• Am I permitted to escort anyone with me through a KCM access point? 
• Am I permitted to transport additional carry-on items that are not my own through a KCM access point? 
• What should I do if the TSA cannot validate my identity and employment status at the KCM access point? 
• If I am a federal flight deck officer (FFDO), does KCM change how I access an airport sterile area? 
• Does KCM change any other TSA regulations regarding when and what types of items I may carry onboard an aircraft? 
• Why are not all airlines participating in KCM? 
• Are non-U.S. airlines involved in KCM? 
• Where can I submit feedback regarding KCM? 
• When can a crewmember use the KCM access point? 
• Can a crewmember individually join KCM if their airline does not participate in the program? 
• When will flight attendants be permitted to use the KCM program? 
• What is the KCM barcode card used for? 
• What if I have not received a KCM barcode card from my participating airline? 
• My airline is participating in the KCM program; where can I get a KCM barcode card? 
• Difficulties with KCM Account Activation or Barcode Card Registration? 
• What do I do if my KCM barcode card is lost or stolen? 
• Does a crewmember need to be working a flight in order to use the KCM access point? 

Q. What should I expect when using a KCM access point?

A. Expect to enter the sterile area of an airport via an alternative access portal, which may be separate from the security-screening lanes. You must be in uniform and will be met by a screener who will ask for both your company identification and a TSA-accepted form of photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license. The transportation security officer (i.e., screener) will match the identification to your appearance and confirm your identity and current employment status via the KCM system. Once these tasks are successfully completed, you will be allowed to proceed into the sterile area, normally with no other screening or inspection of your person or accessible property. It is possible, however, that you and your accessible property items may be selected for random physical screening. Random screening is built in as a check and balance to ensure the integrity of the KCM system. In the future, a biometric reading (e.g., a fingerprint) may also be required at the access point. Pilots are asked to help expedite the access process by being ready to present both forms of identification to the screener and helping them to locate the employee number on your airline ID card.

Q. What constitutes “in uniform” for using a KCM access point?

A. TSA’s requirement is that crewmembers be “in uniform” to use a KCM access point. This requirement has been used by TSA for years to grant certain accommodations to crewmembers at security screening checkpoints. Crewmembers should ensure that they are appropriately attired in a uniform that meets their company’s standards to help TSA screeners do their jobs quickly and expedite their passage through the access point.

Q. How long will this process take?

A. Under normal circumstances, a typical KCM transaction should require about 15 seconds. The time required to complete the process is contingent on a number of factors, such as the speed at which the system responds, or the presence and length of a queue, as other crewmembers may be waiting to be processed.

Q. Does KCM mean that I will never be screened in the traditional checkpoint fashion when passing through a KCM access point?

A. No. Crewmembers may be directed to passenger-screening lines as part of a random screening-selection process, or whenever the KCM access point is not operational. Should the KCM access point become inoperative, TSA security officers will direct crewmembers through passenger-screening checkpoints.

Q. What should I do if I am selected for random screening at a KCM access point?

A. Cooperate fully. Failure to go through a passenger security screening checkpoint after being identified for random screening may result in action by the TSA which may include a loss of KCM privileges for that crewmember. Random screening is a normal feature of any alternative form of screening. It is incorporated for your protection and to ensure the integrity of the system.

Q. Does using KCM preclude any chance that I may be selected for additional screening after I successfully transit an access point and proceed into the sterile area of an airport?

A. No. All air-carrier employees are subject to TSA screening practices conducted within sterile areas, which include roving screening teams, random gate screening, and questioning by behavioral detection officers (BDOs). KCM does not exempt a crewmember from complying with these additional screening techniques.

Q. Will my carry-on items be inspected when I proceed through a KCM access point?

A. No, unless you are selected for random, passenger-style screening, in which case, both you and your carry-on items will be screened via traditional checkpoint screening protocols.

Q. Am I permitted to escort anyone with me through a KCM access point?

A. No. Every person who attempts to enter the sterile area of an airport via a KCM access point must be cleared individually by a screening officer.

Q. Am I permitted to transport additional carry-on items that are not my own through a KCM access point?

A. No. Crewmembers are permitted to bring only their personal carry-on items through a KCM access point. You may not transport carry-on items that are not your own when entering an airport sterile area via KCM.

Q. What should I do if the TSA cannot validate my identity and employment status at the KCM access point?

A. If the TSA cannot confirm your identity or current employment status at the KCM access point, you will be directed to the passenger-screening checkpoint in order to access the sterile area. Please follow TSA instructions and do not attempt to resolve the issue with transportation security officers, as they are unable to rectify system failures or denials. A KCM denial could result from a database error that is nonspecific to you, or it might involve a miscommunication with your air carrier. If you believe that a KCM denial occurred relative to your employment status, please enter the sterile area as directed via the passenger-screening checkpoint and, when time permits, ask your airline supervisor for assistance in rectifying the situation with your carrier.

Q. If I am a federal flight deck officer (FFDO), does KCM change how I access an airport sterile area?

A. No. Procedures for FFDOs are not changed by KCM. Continue to follow your SOPs.

Q. Does KCM change any other TSA regulations regarding when and what types of items I may carry onboard an aircraft?

A. No. You are subject to all existing uniformed crewmember regulations regarding the types of items that may be carried onboard an aircraft. KCM does not provide any other exemptions or privileges regarding the items that you carry, other than those already articulated in TSA regulations.

Q. Why are not all airlines participating in KCM?

A. It is the goal of TSA, A4A and ALPA to ultimately include all U.S. airlines in KCM. KCM started as a trial program in 2011, but was approved by the TSA as a standing program in 2012 and is now available on a subscription basis to any TSA-approved airline. Crewmembers should check with their MEC/pilot group and airline for further information about their carrier’s participation in the program.

Q. Are non-U.S. airlines involved in KCM?

A. Like the Cockpit Access Security System (CASS), there is no reciprocal agreement between the United States and other countries for use of KCM. ALPA has expressed its interest in future U.S./Canadian reciprocity on KCM with the governments of both countries.

Q. Where can I submit feedback regarding KCM?

A. Questions and feedback by flight-crew members should be directed to their respective airlines.

Q: When can a crewmember use the KCM access point?

A: Crewmembers must be in uniform and have required identification to use the KCM access point. The crewmember’s airline also must participate in KCM in order to be eligible.

Q: Can a crewmember individually join KCM if their airline does not participate in the program?

A: No. The KCM system uses a secure connection to communicate with the participating airline’s crewmember data base to determine the eligibility and employment status of the crewmember.

Q: When will flight attendants be permitted to use the KCM program?

A: TSA in July 2012 approved the second stage of KCM, offering more efficient screening to verified flight attendants employed by U.S.-based airlines. Airlines must first sign an agreement with A4A agreeing to participate in the KCM program. In addition, the participating airline will then need to create a database for the flight attendants similar to the one that exists for the pilots. It may take up to 12 months for individual air carriers and their service providers to make the necessary system modifications and fully develop, test, and implement this change to the KCM program. Please contact your airline management to determine if you are eligible to use the KCM system.

Q: What is the KCM barcode card used for?

A: The KCM barcode card is used to expedite the crewmember verification process at the KCM access points.

Q: What if I have not received a KCM barcode card from my participating airline?

A: You may still utilize all of the active KCM access points without a card. This includes crewmembers that may have a KCM barcode card that does not function properly at the time of scanning. The Transportation Security Officers will manually input your information into the KCM system if you do not have a functioning barcode card.

Q: My airline is participating in the KCM program; where can I get a KCM barcode card?

A: A crewmember will be issued a KCM barcode card from their participating airline management staff. Once you receive the barcode card, follow the instructions on the back to register it into the KCM system. Once registered, you may begin using the barcode card at any active KCM access point. Please remember, you must be in uniform and present your airline ID as well as a US government-issued photo ID to utilize the KCM access points.

Q: Difficulties with KCM Account Activation or Barcode Card Registration

A: Airlines for America (A4A) has received some reports of crewmembers experiencing technical difficulties while trying to activate a KCM account or register a KCM barcode card on the www.mykcmsupport.com website. Some crewmembers with an AOL or EarthLink e-mail account are reporting issues related to the spam blocker these Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use. Crewmembers that experience technical difficulties while either activating an account or registering a KCM barcode card should contact the KCM service provider directly at [email protected].

Q: What do I do if my KCM barcode card is lost or stolen?

A: Request a new KCM barcode card from your airline management. Once you receive your new KCM barcode card, login to your secure @ www.mykcmsuppport.com. Update your new KCM barcode card number in your account.

Q: Does a crewmember need to be working a flight in order to use the KCM access point?

A: No. TSA headquarters’ states that a crewmember must be currently employed with a KCM participating airline, on active status and in the airline’s KCM database. TSA security officers are not responsible for determining whether a crewmember is working a flight in order to use a KCM access point. Please remember, a crewmember may be randomly selected to undergo additional screening, as there is a random screening element with all Risked Based Security (RBS) screening programs.

Legal Notice: This website is only intended to provide an overview of the Known Crewmember® program. Questions about the specifics of the program should be directed to your airline. This is not a U.S. government site.
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