In an Oct. 2 address to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) Marketing Outlook Forum, in Atlanta, Carol B. Hallett, president and CEO of the Air Transport Association of America, reminded attendees that in 1996 the ATA had presented a comprehensive security plan to the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security following the TWA Flight 800 tragedy. In addition to the use of air marshals and bomb-sniffing dogs, the deployment of explosive-detection devices and government certification of companies hired to provide airport security, the 1996 ATA plan advocated the use of computer-assisted passenger screening technology (CAPS). Hallett strongly urged that CAPS be reconsidered as a security measure
"I know CAPS was controversial—or at least it was up until three weeks ago," she said. "I will grant you that those opposed to computer-assisted passenger screening may have a point—it could inconvenience and embarrass some innocent people. But it is pointless for them to argue that this would not have made a difference on September 11th, because in our hearts everyone must realize that failure to use the CAPS techniques that are available today may be directly responsible for the events of September 11th."