Mobile App for Discrimination at U.S. Airports

Just when you think there can't be an app for that, there is one. Civil-rights groups led by the Sikh Coalition offers an app for mobile devices that allows airline passengers to report suspected discrimination at U.S. airport checkpoints.

One news report dubbed it the "discrimination app" but its development was in response to a serious issue. Sikhs have complained for years that they are targeted by the Transportation Security Administration because of their turbans, which they wear for religion. But the app is made for everyone who is interested in filing a formal report alleging discrimination based on gender, race, religion or disability directly to the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security.

The app is free and offers a user-friendly form to enter the details of the discrimination and to send the report as soon as possible. It also offer information about passenger rights.

In response to the app, a TSA official has said in a USA Today article that race and ethnicity are not factors taken into consideration when TSA officers are scrutinizing passengers for suspicious behavior. Passengers with concerns can ask to speak to a supervisor at the airport, submit feedback through the agency's website or file a civil-rights complaint.

Click HERE to download the FlyRights app for iPhone or visit fly-rights.org to download for Android phones.

The Sikh Coalition is a community-based organization that defends Sikh civil rights. It's broader mission is to provide direct legal services to persons whose civil or human rights are violated; advocate for law and policies that are respectful of fundamental rights; and promote appreciation for diversity through education.

Loose Change Forgotten at TSA Checkpoints

(image credit: The Dallas Morning News)

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), $409,085.56 in loose change was forgotten or intentionally left at airport checkpoints. As reported by the Gannett Washington Bureau, this is how it breaks down: $376,480.39 in dollar coins, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies, plus foreign currency worth $32,605.17.

Those who leave loose coins at the airport are likely rushing for a flight or foreign travelers returning home who may feel they no longer have any use for U.S. change. The Gannett report adds that it may be because coins are no longer appealing in an increasingly cashless society and it weighs down pockets and purses.

By airport here is where passengers left the most change in 2010:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)   $46,918.06
• Los Angeles International   $19,110.83
• Hartsfield Atlanta International   $16,523.83
• San Francisco International   $15,908.02
• Miami International   $15,844.83

It's like those plastic bowls at security checkpoints have become TSA tip jars. But a TSA spokesperson indicated they should make every effort to reunite passengers with items left at checkpoints. Money that cannot be returned is used to finance the agency's operations. Republican Representative Jeff Miller of Florida is proposing the money go the United Service Organizations to help operate their welcome centers for U.S. military personnel around the world.