air travelers. These proposals

Air Travel Privacy Air Travel Privacy Latest News | Resources | Identification Schemes | Profiling | FOIA Documents | Other Documents | Analysis | Previous Files The right to travel is a part of the "liberty" of which the citizen cannot be deprived without due process of law under the Fifth Amendment ... Freedom of movement across frontiers in either direction, and inside frontiers as well, was a part of our heritage. Travel abroad, like travel within the country, may be necessary for a livelihood. It may be as close to the heart of the individual as the choice of what he eats, or wears, or reads. Freedom of movement is basic in our scheme of values. "Our nation," wrote Chafee, "has thrived on the principle that, outside areas of plainly harmful conduct, every American is left to shape his own life as he thinks best, do what he pleases, go where he pleases." -- Justice William O. Douglas, Kent v. Dulles (1958) Post-September 11, several measures have been considered to improve aviation security. Some of these proposals, such as improved training for airport screeners, checking all bags for bombs, strengthening cockpit doors, and placing air marshals on flights, do not implicate privacy interests and are sound security measures. Others, however, present privacy and security risks to air travelers. These proposals concern efforts to identify passengers and schemes to distinguish the "good guys" from the "bad." EPIC will make available on this page aviation security and privacy related documents it obtains from the government under the freedom of information law to promote and inform the public debate over these new schemes. In earlier responses to security threats the FAA issued a secret regulation that allowed airlines to demand photo identification and instituted a new profiling program called CAPPS (Computer Assisted Passenger Pre-screening System) based on travel data airlines routinely collected. See Previous Files . New proposals advocate using biometric credentials for "trusted travelers" and using extensive data mining of credit history, criminal records, and travel patterns to profile all airline passengers. NASA has even suggested developing "non-invasive neuro-electric sensors" or brain scans at the security gate to see if people are having suspicious thoughts. The stated goal of these new proposals is to rely on technology to reduce the "hassle factor" in airports and to reduce security threats. The core idea is to focus security resources on suspicious travelers, while ensuring that most people are not inconvenienced by heightened security. Terrorists, however, have been known to go to great lengths to look like most people. Former Transportation Security Agency chief John Magaw refused to endorse a "trusted traveler" card, fearing that it would be the first thing a terrorist will try to obtain. New profiling and identification programs will convert airport security into all-purpose police stops where criminals, deadbeat dads, and others seeking to avoid law enforcement for non-aviation security related reasons face the risk of being arrested. The basic structure of passenger profiling is to use an algorithm to determine indicators of characteristics or behavior patterns that are related to the occurrence of certain behavior. The CAPPS-II initiative will expand the range of databases searched for suspicious activity so that each airline passenger will be subjected to an extensive profiling. John Pointdexter's office in the Defense Department is considering developing a similar Total Information Awareness system. Each structural element of the CAPPS-II profiling system, however, raises a host of complex questions: Algorithm: What logic will be used? What is the basis for developing the algorithm? What are acceptable false positive and false negative rates? Indicators: What indicators are relevant? Are these indicators available? Who will collect and store the relevant indicators? Related: How are the indicators related to particular kinds of behavior? Is that relationship reliable? Behavior: Who determines what behavior should be targeted? What types of specific behavior will the system try to catch? In addition there are several technical issues such as how reliable is the data used to make profiling decisions? What kind of data should be collected and how long should the data be retained? Who will have access to the data and for what purposes? The policy issues also need to be addressed: what will be the rights of individuals to control their personally identifiable information? What recourse will be available for someone wrongly identified or denied a service? Will profiling based on deep data-mining stand up to charges of equal protection and due process violations? The new proposals directly implicate long standing constitutional protections under the fourth and first amendments, including the right to travel, and must be clearly understood and properly considered by the public. Latest News EPIC Joins Campaign Against Biometric Identification. Civil liberties organizations have sent a letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding their plans to include biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and facial scans on all newly issued electronic passports. The letter, organized by Privacy International , warns this will lead to the first truly global database of biometric information. For more information, read the letter from the Campaign, see EPIC's biometrics page, and read a story by the BBC . (Mar. 30) EPIC Suit Uncovers Watchlist Errors. EPIC has uncovered agency documents through the Freedom of Information Act that raise important questions about how the Transportation Security Administration currently operates the "No-Fly" watchlist. The concerns surrounding the agency's administration of the list previews several potential problems with the proposed roll out of CAPPS-II , the Enhanced Computer Assisted Passenger Pre-screening System. For more information, see EPIC's analysis of the FOIA documents. (Apr. 1) Senators Want Answers on Air Profiling. The Senate Commerce Committee has unanimously agreed to an amendment (pdf) by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) that would require the Transportation Security Administration to report to Congress on the privacy and civil liberties implications of the controversial CAPPS-II air passenger profiling system. See EPIC's Passenger Profiling page for more information. (Mar. 13) EPIC Comments on Air Travel Database. EPIC submitted comments on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposal [PDF] to create a new database of Aviation Security Screening Records on all airline passengers. EPIC argued that the proposed system did not provide sufficient information for the public to contribute meaningfully to this rule-making procedure, and that the proposed system would infringe on the Constitutional right of association and travel. See TSA Docket for more information and public comments. (Feb. 24) EPIC Criticizes Gov't Rule on Citizen Travel. EPIC has filed comments [PDF] on the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)'s proposed rule to collect passenger manifest information on all international travelers, including American citizens and legal permanent residents. The comments argue that the proposed rule is legally deficient because the INS has not complied with the Privacy Act in creating this new "system of records." EPIC has asked the INS to reissue its notice and meet the requirements of the Privacy Act. The comments also note that, by collecting and sharing travel data about citizens, the INS is placing a burden on the right to travel and the rights of anonymous association. (Feb. 4, 2003) EPIC Files Suit for "No-Fly List" Information. Seeking information about aviation security watchlists, EPIC has filed a lawsuit [PDF] against the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in federal court in Washington. The legislation creating TSA authorizes the agency to maintain such lists, which reportedly have been used to interfere with the travel of political activists. (Dec. 12, 2002) Resources EPIC's presentation for the National Academy's seminar on Concealed Threat Detection , March 2005. Transportation Security Agency Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2002 EPIC v. TSA FOIA Lawsuit seeking information on new identification and passenger profiling schemes Implementation of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act with a Focus on the 60-day Deadline for Screening and Checked Baggage House Transportation Committee, Subcommittee on Aviation, Jan. 23, 2002 Audit Reports on Aviation Security Office of Inspector General, Department of Transportation White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security web page. EPIC's Profiling Page. EPIC's National ID Page. EPIC's Biometrics Page. EPIC's Face Recognition Page. EPIC's Terrorism Page: Information on pending efforts in Congress to increase wiretapping and gather personal information. EPIC's new page on Surveillance of European Air Travelers . Identification Schemes Gilmore v. Ashcroft -- FAA ID Challenge Aviation Security Biometrics Working Group [see Steering Committee Analysis for detailed information on proposed biometric identification schemes] Airlines Plan Quick System For Identifying Passengers Washington Post , June 22, 2002 Smart Check-In Cuts Airport Lines Wired News , Feb. 5, 2001. [Trusted traveler schemes have been contemplated well before 9/11] Maximus Flysecure proposal Profiling Trading Freedom for Security . The New American Magazine , May 5, 2003. EPIC's new Passenger Profiling page. Air Security Focusing on Flier Screening . Washington Post , September 4, 2002. Intricate Screening Of Fliers In Works . Washington Post , Feb. 1, 2002. Carnival Booth: An Algorithm for Defeating the Computer-Assisted Passenger Screening System . MIT/Harvard Law School Student paper. Electronic Record Systems and Individual Privacy . U.S. Congress Office of Technical Assessment OTA-CIT-296. House Transportation Hearing on Airline Passenger Profiling . Feb. 27, 2002. ACLU Passenger Profiling Complaint Form Documents Obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) EPIC Suit Uncovers Errors in TSA's Watchlist , April 2003. NASA Ames Research Center Northwest Airlines Briefing . December 10-11, 2001. Other Documents Final Report of the White House Commission. Initial Report of the White House Commission (September 9, 1996). Executive Order 13015 creating the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security (August 22, 1996) ( PDF version ) Initial Federal Register notice of public meeting of White House Commission. Revised Federal Register notice announcing that part of the Commission's meeting will be closed to the public "in the interest of national security." 1994 statute authorizing FAA research into security matters (including "behavioral research") and exempting information relating to such research from disclosure under the FOIA. Analysis Image of a person scanned using a new x-ray device from AS&E. National Academy of Sciences report " Airline Passenger Security Screening: New Technologies and Implementation Issues " Paper on the limitations of profiling , Roger Clark, Australia National University. ACLU testimony before White House Commission on "Civil Liberties Implications of Airport Security Measures" (September 5, 1996). Letter to Privacy Journal editor Robert Ellis Smith from the FAA denying Smith's request for a copy of the FAA Security Directive on identification of airline passengers. HotWired article " Fear of Flying " on proposals. (September 11, 1996). Previous Files FAA Proposes Profiling Regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration published proposed regulations on April 19, 1999, governing "Security of Checked Baggage on Flights Within the United States." The draft rules detail the use of computer profiling techniques to identify suspicious passengers. Public comments can be filed until June 18, 1999. Airline Passenger Profiling Goes Into Effect. The Computer Assisted Passenger Screening System is scheduled to be phased in nationwide beginning on January 1. Under the system, passengers who "fit the profile" will be selected for heightened security measures, which can include a thorough search of their luggage, intrusive personal questioning, tagging of luggage with orange tape, and a physical escort from the check-in counter to the airport gate by security personnel. The ACLU is providing an online complaint form for passengers targeted by the profiling system. Microsoft Chief Architect Charles Simonyi tells what happens when you "fit the profile" (from Slate ). Proposed FAA rule for collecting personal information including name, address, Social Security Number, Date of birth and next of kin for every domestic passenger. General Account Office report, Aviation Safety and Security: Challenges to Implementing the Recommendations of the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security (Testimony, 03/05/97, GAO/T-RCED-97-90). The Gore Commission has released its final report recommending passenger profiling. A coalition of 17 groups has sent a letter to Gore opposing ID checks, profiling, new x-ray technologies and excessive secrecy by the FAA in making decisions. EPIC Privacy Page | EPIC Home Page Last Updated: March 29, 2005 Page URL: http://www.epic.org/privacy/airtravel/default.html

Germany Travel Stories Germany

Germany Travel Stories Archives: BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » Germany » Germany Travel Stories Germany Travel Stories A Wurst Case Scenario - Rothenburg, Germany Lee Hammerschmidt samples gritty, grimy, lumpy...blutwurst. The Heart of the Black Forest - Black Forest, Germany Jen D. Rodriguez finds the heart of the Black Forest when staying at the Familie Sum. Don't Go to Berlin - Berlin, Germany Berlin is a city full of drunk, ornery, rude, tourist-haters. According to Leif Pettersen, it is a city that will take your money and dignity and give you nothing in return. Is This the Train to Oktoberfest? - Munich, Germany When Joanna Grome heads to Oktoberfest, she's surprised to learn that the party starts on the train. Writer's Block in Germany - About 20 km southeast of Stuttgart, Germany Andrew Jenner takes on Germany - and finds the best fodder for travel writing is right under his nose...literally. How I learnt to love the Cathedrals! - Cologne, Germany All it takes is a couple of dollars - and drinks - for Arvind S to appreciate cathedrals. The story of Berlin and Kabaret - Berlin, Germany Arvind S knows discovers there is more to Berlin - and cabarets - that he ever expected. On a Murder Charge! - Garmisch, Bavaria, Germany Pete Day and his friends are picked up for murder in Bavaria. Scenic Koblenz - Koblenz, Germany Namrata Singh discovers the picturesque little towns that dot Germany's famous Rhine River. Danke for the Memories: Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany David M Weber shares his experiences and tips to help future travelers to Oktoberfest survive, and even enjoy it. Cheating Death in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains - Germany Novice rock-climber Christine Wynne experiences some free-climbing in the heart of Eastern Germany. Beer, Toys and Lebkuchen - Germany Recovering from stolen luggage, Joseph Koch makes the most of his time in Germany. 9: No One Told Me I Needed a Bathing Suit - Diary of a Single Girl - Frankfurt, Germany Ria doesn't care how hot and steamy it is, she turns a cold shoulder to stripping off in the German spa. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 1 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 2 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. My Favorite Drives - Germany Ever since Jeff P. Porterfield was legally able to put his foot down on an accelerator, he's been striking out on the road in an attempt to feel freedom and experience new surroundings Chasing the Sun #3: Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, France From ferry gambling to storks in Waddeweitz, Bamberg smokebeer to flooding in Prague, Bid and Renee see a little of everything. The Year of Living Differently #12: For Butter or Wurst - Enns, Austria to Witten, Germany While her Europe trip was not turning out terribly exciting, Trisha was happy to be able to catch up in person with friends she'd met on the road. Another Day in the Life - Germany Philip Blazdell does his best to dispell the myth that jet setting all over the world on other people's money and calling it work is all glory. Do you believe him? Europe by Auto: Kilometers of Fun If you have a sense of adventure and have an explorer's heart, driving through Europe can be a rewarding experience, according to Laura Foy. A Stay in the Penthouse - Osnabrack, Germany A stopover in Osnabruck leads Dave Zimmerman to a great hostel and a town rich in good food, things to do, and interesting people. Eastern Germany: In the Middle of Europe, but Not Well-Known - Eastern Germany Since 1989, beaches, mountains, castles, gardens and great hiking are now more accessible. Joe Browne suggests some highlights. Germany Stands Tall - Germany Samantha Ehrlich feels like everyone in America is in a rush, while Germany has grown into a traditional, but modern society. It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #12 Episode Twelve: Bavaria Revisited Guns, Gummy Bears and Huge Pretzels We arrive at the Termond's house four hours later than planned. We found out that it is possible to catch a train from Kempten to Waltenhofen, but it only... It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #9 Episode Nine: Munich European Washers and Apple Vendors We wake up the next morning and pack our bags for Austria. Actually, we are stopping in Munich first, but saying that we are packing our bags for Munich does not... München: the BMW museum in the rain The BMW museum is quite a show, especially for enthusiasts, but beware of "museum syndrome". European Travelogue #12: Berlin, Germany Finishing up the city tours. European Travelogue #4: Munich, Germany Mmm....beer!!! European Travelogue #3: Stuttgart, Germany Clean, organized but very ordinary place. European Travelogue #2: Mainz/Frankfurt (including The Rhine), Germany Entering the country of Oktoberfest. Berlin, Germany Info Brandenburg Gate Let me start off by stating that I love Berlin. This city, which has had so much recent history as well as a more turbulent past, is undergoing gigantic changes since re-unification. I was amazed at the... Munich, Germany Munich (map), home of the Oktoberfest, is located in Bavaria in the south of Germany. The Oktoberfest is held from the last week in September to the end of October. Getting There Munich is well served by the German... Stuttgart, Germany Stuttgart (map) has the reputation of being one of the few cities totally flattened by Allied bombing during the Second World War, because of it's industrial strength. As a consequence, the buildings here are all less than fifty years... Black Forest, Germany There is so much more to this region than trees, cakes and felt hats. Home » Germany » Germany Travel Stories Book It! 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South America Travel

South America Travel - Abercrombie & Kent Africa & Egypt Antarctica Canal & River Cruising Europe Family Holidays North America India, Orient, Australia & New Zealand Private Jets Small Ship Cruising South America & Galapagos Circumnavigation of South America Costa Rica, Panama & Mexico Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands Peru Chile, Argentina, Brazil & Uruguay The Royal Scotsman Train E-mail This Page Print This Page Print To PDF A&K On Site In South America Other companies often claim that the independent offices to whom they subcontract their business are “their own offices.” But only Abercrombie & Kent has its own network of local offices, staffed by full-time A&K experts, all around the globe. With five locations throughout South America, there are A&K offices working for you. Imagine the level of service that allows us to provide: A&K is always right at hand to ensure that your journey proceeds smoothly, shaped and guided by people who know and love your destination. The World’s Best Tour Directors While other companies often employ guides who are foreign to the destination you are visiting, A&K Tour Directors reside in and are passionate about the country in which they work. And they are hand-chosen for their knowledge, charm and expertise on a variety of subjects from archaeology, flora and wildlife to politics, geography and current affairs. For example, A&K’s Diana Hidalgo has been guiding visitors through her native Peru and neighboring countries for more than 25 years and brings unrivalled knowledge of Peru’s history, culture and people. By Invitation Only… Our highly experienced team offers you innovative insider’s access in the form of, for example, heralded guest speakers, specially hosted welcome dinners, and private wine and cheese tastings — events often not available to other travel companies and their guests. In Buenos Aires, for example, A&K guests travelling on our escorted programs enjoy a private behind-the-scenes visit to the luxurious 1908 opera house, Teatro Colón, where they also tour backstage and attend costume and stage design workshops not open to the general public. Private Transfers …Any Time Unlike many of its competitors, A&K provides its guests with private transfers whenever you choose to arrive or depart. This allows you the flexibility to arrive early or extend your stay beyond the dates or times of your group program. Most other tour operators offer to transfer you to and from the hotel from one specified group flight. But A&K gives you the comfort, luxury and freedom to plan your trip as you prefer. Any day, any time, day or night. In addition, in Santiago, Chile, A&K has special permission to meet you inside the Arrivals Hall, assisting you with passport, visa and other custom formalities. A More Personal Touch With an average of just 12 to 15 travellers (sometimes even less) and a maximum of 24 on our Connoisseurs Series, A&K groups are small enough to facilitate personal contact among group members, and undivided attention from your Tour Director. These smaller numbers also result in access to quaint restaurants off the beaten track, and discerning hotels that refuse large groups. While other company’s travellers are herded through the streets of Buenos Aires or the Inca relics of Cusco in groups of as many as 40, A&K guests feel as if they are travelling with a small collection of friends. Freedom To Choose Excellent meals ought to be a high point of every holiday. So it’s important to know not just how many meals are included in the cost of your program, but what kind. Must you eat from a set menu, or can you choose what you like? On many competitors’ trips, set menus are the inflexible rule. A&K offers…freedom. Sometimes we’ll take you to spectacular “white-tablecloth” restaurants, or casual waterside bistros. Sometimes you’ll set off on your own with a recommendation to a favorite tapas bar or tango club. In many locations, our popular À La Carte option allows you to dine at your hotel when, where and with whom you choose at A&K’s expense. Receive your Travel Catalogue! Download Now Receive By Mail