Small charter airlines would face TSA screening rules

What does this do?

This bill would require certain smaller commercial flight operations to follow the same security screening rules that major airlines already follow. To qualify, a carrier must fly planes with more than nine passenger seats, sell individual tickets in advance, publish its schedules, and operate where TSA does not already run a security checkpoint. TSA would have 360 days after the law passes to update its rules.

Who does it affect?

Air carriers running smaller scheduled charter-style operations that currently face less strict security rules would be affected. Passengers flying on those routes would go through security screening similar to what major airline travelers experience.

Why does it matter?

Right now, some smaller scheduled commercial carriers operate under looser security standards than major airlines. This bill would close that gap by applying the full Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program to those carriers.

Where does it stand?