Employee Stories

BWI banner photo

Kudos Across America – Baltimore

May 13, 2022

On April 27, I approached the TSA Checkpoint at BWI [Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall] airport. There was a very short wait to have your license, ID and boarding pass ready to present to the TSA officer.

Officer Haney photo

Georgia TSA officer a hero after racing to fiery crash, saving life

May 12, 2022

It was late at night, and Jaclynn Haney was heading home from work when she saw a fiery traffic crash on I-75 near Valdosta, Georgia.

Instead of driving by, Haney stopped to help, heroically putting her own life…

TSM Heaven photo

New York TSA manager helps save passenger’s life

May 11, 2022

Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was packed with passengers when TSA Manager Howard Heaven encountered a traveler who suddenly collapsed.

The passenger fell backwards to the…

SSA program

First in the nation! Friends launch SSA program at TSA

May 5, 2022

Long-time friends Austin Marx and Jalen Flemons came to TSA together to launch new careers and a brand new chapter for the agency.

Marx and Flemons, both 20 years old, brought their six-year friendship to the…

Officer Bean photo

Indy TSA officer aids woman threatening to take own life at airport

May 3, 2022

Every year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Indianapolis International Airport (IND) TSA Officer Latwaina Bean saw this first-hand while leaving the airport after finishing an…

Officer Perez banner

Kudos Across America – Sacramento, California

May 3, 2022

[While] I was in line at TSA PreCheck®, I witnessed the interaction between TSA Officer Marcus Perez and a family with two adults, a teenager, small child and baby. Part of the family had TSA Pre [PreCheck] but they mistakenly all waited in the […

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport TSA Officer Esther Barrett (Photo by Ignacio “Nacho” Reyes)

Kudos Across America – Austin, Texas

April 29, 2022

I recently traveled from Dulles International Airport [Washington D.C.] to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport [Austin, Texas] to visit my elderly mother.

While at Dulles, after the TSA screening but before I made it to my plane, I…

SLC sign photo

Kudos Across America - Salt Lake City

April 26, 2022

My wife and I arrived at SLC [Salt Lake City International Airport] for a late evening flight. We both are Clear and TSA PreCheck® users.

Veterans at MDW photo

100th Honor Flight takes off from Chicago’s Midway

April 22, 2022

Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW) hit a big milestone with the 100th Honor Flight taking off from Midway to Washington, D.C.

The Honor Flight program celebrates our military veterans who served in…

Steed's Pond photo

Not just another winter lifesaving story

April 20, 2022

It was a mild winter day when Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) TSA Officer (TSO) James Kielkowski and his wife took an afternoon walk near their home in Clearfield, Utah. Kielkowski was getting some exercise…

San Diego banner

What people are saying about TSA - March 2022

April 18, 2022

San Diego, California

“It makes me proud to live in San Diego, especially when I pass [through] airport security because our TSA agents [officers] are the most patient, courteous and professional of anywhere I have been…

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Program Specialist Mike Ditlevson checking property 30 days old at his desk at the TSA Milwaukee Field office.  (Photo by Frank B. Pipia, Jr.)

Kudos Across America – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

April 13, 2022

I was rushing through the Milwaukee [ Mitchell International] Airport screening area [heading] for Terminal D.  Unbeknownst to me, I dropped an envelope containing a bank safe deposit key. 

EWR gun catch photo

What happens after a firearm discovery in carry-on bags?

April 13, 2022

Editor’s note: This limited series explores the Compliance arm of Security Operations: what they do, how they relate to the passengers and why accurate execution of each portion of the process is crucial for the…

BOS banner photo

Passenger: Boston TSA Officer saved my life

April 12, 2022

The quick thinking, persistence and instincts of a lead transportation security officer (LTSO) may have saved a passenger’s life when the officer prevented the sick traveler from boarding a plane at Boston Logan…

CUTLINE: Golf fans flood Augusta Regional Airport the day after the Masters. (Photo by Cora Gauthreaux)

TSA Augusta swings into high gear for the Masters

April 12, 2022

On a regular day, TSA at Georgia’s Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) screens about 800 passengers. On…

ORF officers photo

Kudos Across America – Norfolk, Virginia

April 7, 2022

On Feb. 9, 2022, I was traveling out of Norfolk, Virginia, to San Francisco, and found the team of TSA professionals to be some of the best I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with.

Group picture from CLE

Sometimes, wishes do come true

April 1, 2022

It is not often you can help someone realize a dream, but that is what TSA Cleveland, the Cleveland Police, United Airlines and A Special Wish Foundation did for Josie – A Special Wish child.

Larry Smith photo

Four in Houston earn national TSA Employee of the Year honors

March 31, 2022

Coming off back-to-back national Airport of the Year Awards in 2019 and 2020, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) took home several awards during the 2021 TSA Honorary Awards…

TSO

Idaho TSA officer named top national TSO

March 30, 2022

Five years ago, Margaret Hanson was looking for a career change, so she came to TSA. What a perfect fit!

Since joining the agency in May 2017, Hanson, a transportation security officer (TSO) at Idaho Falls…

Bentley and passenger photo

Kudos Across America – Providence, Rhode Island

March 29, 2022

TSA Officer Bentley — I later found out his first name is Tim [Timothy] — was so gracious, professional and patient with my daughters and I.