The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel aims to build a vision and recommend policies to increase U.S. competitiveness, improve government focus and coordination on travel issues and facilitate growth.

U.S. Travel established the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel after an eye-opening analysis by Euromonitor revealed the United States is lagging behind global competitors in the race to grow and modernize travel.

The commission is chaired by former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan and comprised of former government officials and private sector experts.

The group plans to release its policy recommendations in autumn 2024.

Recent Progress: 

  • Coinciding with IPW 2024 in May, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, alongside Senator Jerry Moran and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, conducted a field visit to LAX Airport to gain firsthand insights into CBP’s latest innovations and the international passenger experience. Read more.
  • In April, the Commission, joined by leaders of TSA, Delta Air Lines and U.S. Travel, toured innovations, such as TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, CAT-2 screening technology and Delta’s curb-to-gate digital identity experience, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. During the visit, TSA Deputy Administrator Holly Canevari joined U.S. Travel EVP of Public Affairs and Policy, Tori Barnes for a conversation on TSA’s efforts to improve and modernize the travel experience. Listen to their conversation.
  • Also in April, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel briefed Congress members and staff on enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. travel industry. Commission members highlighted key opportunities for Congress to improve U.S. global competitiveness, particularly in preparation for major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Read more.
  • In February, Commission members joined TSA Administrator David Pekoske, TSA officials and U.S. Travel Association leaders for a demonstration of advanced security checkpoint technology at the Innovation Checkpoint at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas visit was an opportunity for TSA and DHS Science & Technology Directorate to showcase the cutting-edge innovations that bolster transportation security and revolutionize the travel experience. Learn more.

In the coming months, the commission will further engage federal agencies during additional field visits to learn more about best practices, pain points and opportunities to improve and grow travel.

Multimedia Gallery


Seamless and Secure Travel Commission

Chair
Kevin McAleenan
Former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Former Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
MEMBERS
Shawn Kinder
Global Corporate Development and Strategy Director, Ferrovial Airports
Michael Huerta
Former Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
John Pistole
Former Administrator, Transportation Security Administration
Lucy Chadwick
Former Director General, International, Security & Environment Group, U.K. Department for Transport
Patty Cogswell
Former Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security Administration
Seth Stodder
Former Assistant Secretary for Borders, Immigration & Trade Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
John Sanders
Former Acting Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Customs & Border Protection; Former Assistant Administrator, Chief Technology Officer, Transportation Security Administration
Stewart Baker
Former General Counsel, National Security Agency; Former Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Martha Bárcena Coqui
Former Mexican Ambassador to the United States
John Holland Kaye
Former CEO of Heathrow Airport
Marlon R. Smith
Managing Director of Public Infrastructure & Communications, JLC Infrastructure
Brent Tasugi
Managing Director - Transportation & Logistics, I Squared Capital
Jeff Bleich
Former American Ambassador to Australia
Hon. John Katko
Former House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member
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