John Pistole Discusses Innovations Shaping Airport Security’s Future

Key Takeaways

• Known Crewmember program ends November 2025; all flight crews undergo standard TSA screening.
• TSA reviews shoe removal and adopts AI-driven security technologies for faster, effective screening.
• Risk-based screening expands, easing travel for low-risk passengers with programs like TSA PreCheck.

The landscape of airport security in the United States 🇺🇸 is changing in important ways, with new policies and technologies set to affect both travelers and airline staff. Former TSA Administrator John Pistole, now a security advisor at Evolv Technology, has played a key role in shaping these changes. As of July 2025, Pistole is no longer president of Anderson University and is focused on helping airports move toward smarter, more effective security. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, when these changes take effect, what actions are needed, and what these shifts mean for travelers, airline crews, and the broader airport security system.

Summary of What Changed

Several important changes are happening in airport security policy and practice:

• The Known Crewmember program will end in November 2025. This means all flight crew members, including pilots and flight attendants, will have to go through standard TSA screening like regular passengers.
• Procedures like mandatory shoe removal are under review. John Pistole and other experts are pushing to remove or change rules that do not add real security, making travel easier for everyone.
• Airports are adopting new technologies. Companies like Evolv Technology, where Pistole is an advisor, are helping airports use advanced screening tools that can spot threats without slowing down travelers.
• Risk-based screening is expanding. The TSA is focusing more on identifying higher-risk travelers and making the process easier for those who are low-risk.

Who Is Affected

These changes impact several groups:

• Flight crew members: Pilots and flight attendants will lose their special fast-track security access and must join regular lines at checkpoints.
• Airline companies and unions: They will need to adjust crew schedules and operations to account for longer security wait times.
• Passengers: Travelers may see shorter lines and fewer annoying procedures as outdated rules are dropped and new technology is used.
• Airport security staff: Officers will need to follow new procedures and use new equipment.
• Technology providers: Companies like Evolv Technology are at the center of these changes, offering new tools to airports.

Effective Dates

• June 1, 2025: John Pistole retired from Anderson University and continues as a security advisor at Evolv Technology.
• November 2025: The Known Crewmember program will officially end. All crew members must use standard TSA screening.
• Ongoing (2024–2025): The TSA is reviewing and updating security procedures, with possible changes to rules about shoes, liquids, and electronics as new technology is tested and approved.

Required Actions

For Flight Crew Members:

• Prepare for standard screening: Starting November 2025, all pilots and flight attendants must go through the same security checks as passengers. This means arriving earlier and planning for possible delays.
• Stay updated: Check with your airline and union for the latest guidance on new procedures and scheduling changes.

For Airline Companies:

• Update crew schedules: Build in extra time for security checks when planning flights and crew assignments.
• Communicate with staff: Make sure all crew members know about the new rules and what to expect at checkpoints.

For Passengers:

• Watch for changes: Some procedures, like taking off your shoes, may be dropped or changed as new screening tools are used.
• Use risk-based programs: If you are eligible, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or similar programs to speed up your screening process.

For Airport Security Staff:

• Learn new systems: Officers will need training on new screening equipment and updated procedures.
• Follow new guidelines: Stay informed about which rules are changing and how to apply them.

For Technology Providers:

• Support airports: Companies like Evolv Technology should work closely with airports to install, test, and improve new screening systems.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you are a flight crew member who has relied on the Known Crewmember program, your ability to use expedited screening will end in November 2025. Pending applications for this program will not be processed after this date. Instead, all crew will need to follow the standard TSA screening process. For passengers applying to risk-based programs like TSA PreCheck, these programs will continue and may become even more important as the TSA focuses on making travel easier for low-risk travelers.

Background and Historical Context

John Pistole served as TSA Administrator from 2010 to 2014. During his time, he started risk-based security programs like TSA PreCheck and pushed for the use of advanced imaging technology. His approach was to use intelligence and risk assessments to focus security efforts where they are most needed, rather than treating every traveler the same. After leaving the TSA, Pistole worked in academia and now advises Evolv Technology, a company that creates new security screening tools.

The Known Crewmember program began in 2010 and expanded in 2012. It allowed pilots and flight attendants to skip regular security lines, using a special process to confirm their identity and job status. The program was designed to make things easier for trusted airline staff, but concerns grew that it could be a weak spot in airport security.

Key Policy Changes and Announcements (2024–2025)

Ending the Known Crewmember Program

• What is changing: The TSA will end the Known Crewmember program in November 2025.
• Who is affected: All flight crew members, including pilots and flight attendants.
• Why it matters: This change aims to close possible security gaps by making sure everyone, including crew, goes through the same checks.
• What to do: Crew members should plan for longer wait times and adjust their schedules.

Reviewing “Security Theater” Procedures

• What is changing: The TSA is looking at rules that may not add real security, like taking off shoes at checkpoints.
• Who is affected: All passengers.
• Why it matters: Removing unnecessary steps can make travel faster and less stressful.
• What to do: Watch for updates from the TSA about which rules are changing.

Adopting New Screening Technologies

• What is changing: Airports are starting to use new tools that can find threats without making travelers stop or remove clothing.
• Who is affected: Passengers, crew, and security staff.
• Why it matters: These tools can make lines move faster and improve safety.
• What to do: Be ready for new types of screening and follow instructions from security staff.

Expanding Risk-Based Screening

• What is changing: The TSA is focusing more on identifying higher-risk travelers and making things easier for those who are low-risk.
• Who is affected: All travelers, especially those who use programs like TSA PreCheck.
• Why it matters: This approach helps use resources better and makes travel smoother for most people.
• What to do: Consider joining risk-based programs if you travel often.

Expert Analysis and Stakeholder Perspectives

John Pistole’s View

John Pistole believes airport security should move away from old, one-size-fits-all rules and instead use a layered, intelligence-driven approach. He says that some rules, like shoe removal, were created in response to specific threats years ago but may not be needed today. Pistole supports using new technology to spot threats quickly and accurately, making travel easier without giving up safety.

Industry Response

Airlines and crew unions are worried that ending the Known Crewmember program will cause delays and make it harder to keep flights on time. They want the TSA to find ways to reduce the impact on crew members. However, many security experts say that making everyone go through the same checks is safer and helps the public trust the system.

Technology Providers

Companies like Evolv Technology are leading the way in creating new screening tools. These systems can check for weapons or explosives without making people stop, take off shoes, or empty their bags. John Pistole, as an advisor at Evolv Technology, is helping airports use these tools to improve both safety and convenience.

Passenger Experience

Travelers may soon see fewer annoying rules, like taking off shoes or removing laptops, as new screening systems are used. These changes should make airport lines move faster and reduce stress for everyone. However, passengers should still follow all instructions from security staff and stay updated on any new rules.

Future Outlook and Pending Changes

Looking ahead, several trends are clear:

• By November 2025, all flight crew will use standard TSA screening.
• The TSA will keep reviewing old rules and may drop more requirements as new technology proves effective.
• Risk-based screening programs like TSA PreCheck will likely expand, making travel easier for low-risk passengers.
• Airports will use more AI-driven and sensor-based systems, aiming for a seamless, “frictionless” security experience.

These changes are meant to balance strong security with a better travel experience. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the move toward smarter, technology-driven screening is expected to benefit both passengers and airport staff, while also closing possible security gaps.

Step-by-Step: What Passengers and Crews Should Expect (Late 2025 Onward)

1. Flight crew members must go through standard TSA security lines, just like passengers.
2. Passengers may notice changes in what they need to do at checkpoints, such as not having to remove shoes or laptops, depending on the airport and the technology in use.
3. Risk-based screening will become more common, so travelers who are considered low-risk may have an easier time.
4. AI-driven screening systems will be used at more airports, making the process faster and less intrusive.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• Travelers: Check the TSA’s official website (tsa.gov) before your trip for the latest rules and updates. If you travel often, consider applying for TSA PreCheck to save time.
• Flight crew: Talk to your airline or union about how the end of the Known Crewmember program will affect your schedule. Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than before.
• Airlines: Review crew scheduling and communication plans to avoid delays caused by longer security lines.
• Airport staff: Get trained on new screening equipment and stay updated on changing procedures.
• Technology companies: Work with airports and the TSA to install and improve new screening systems.

Multiple Perspectives: What Different Groups Are Saying

• Security experts support making everyone go through the same checks and using new technology to spot threats more effectively.
• Airlines and unions are worried about delays and want the TSA to help reduce the impact on crew members.
• Passengers are likely to benefit from faster lines and fewer annoying rules, but should stay alert for any changes.

Conclusion

The end of the Known Crewmember program and the push for smarter, more targeted security measures mark a big shift in how airport security works in the United States 🇺🇸. John Pistole, now with Evolv Technology, is a leading voice in this movement, calling for the use of advanced tools and a risk-based approach. These changes aim to make travel safer and more convenient for everyone. For the most current information, always check the official TSA website and stay in touch with your airline or union. By understanding these updates and preparing for new procedures, both travelers and airline staff can adjust smoothly to the next era of airport security.

Learn Today

Known Crewmember program → A TSA program allowing flight crews fast-track security screening, ending in November 2025.
Risk-based screening → Security method focusing on identifying high-risk individuals to streamline low-risk traveler processing.
Evolv Technology → Company offering advanced AI screening tools that detect threats without intrusive procedures.
TSA PreCheck → Trusted traveler program enabling expedited security screening for pre-approved passengers.
Security Theater → Security measures providing limited actual protection but creating an appearance of safety.

This Article in a Nutshell

Airport security in the U.S. is evolving with the Known Crewmember program ending in 2025, new AI technologies, and risk-based screening to improve safety and convenience for travelers and airline staff.
— By VisaVerge.com