San Francisco International Airport

Mike Koozmin/2012 S.F. Examiner file photoCovenant Aviation Security drew scrutiny when several whistle-blowers criticized the company’s bag-screening policies.

Covenant Aviation Security could lose its contract at SFO

The firm that screens baggage at San Francisco International Airport could lose…

Mike Koozmin/2012 S.F. Examiner file photoCovenant Aviation Security drew scrutiny when several whistle-blowers criticized the company’s bag-screening policies.
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San Francisco airport won’t be renamed for Harvey Milk

Supervisor David Campos said Tuesday that he has abandoned a proposal to…

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Robert Galbraith/REUTERSFliers check flight statuses Monday at SFO

SFO flights move along as air traffic control furloughs disrupt travel elsewhere

The first day of work furloughs for air traffic controllers passed without…

Robert Galbraith/REUTERSFliers check flight statuses Monday at SFO
Getty Images File PhotoThose traveling through SFO could experience delays due to furloughs.

Flight delays, including at SFO, could start with furloughs beginning today

San Francisco is among the airports that could experience flight delays as…

Getty Images File PhotoThose traveling through SFO could experience delays due to furloughs.
S.F. Examiner File PhotoSee who will sit on the panel that will address renaming guidelines for the San Francisco International Airport below the article.

SFO naming panel announced to set guidelines

People from the business, nonprofit and aviation worlds are expected to be…

S.F. Examiner File PhotoSee who will sit on the panel that will address renaming guidelines for the San Francisco International Airport below the article.
Getty Images File PhotoGridlock in Washington

SFO could experience more delays due to emergency federal budget cuts

As one of the country’s busiest airline hubs, San Francisco International Airport…

Getty Images File PhotoGridlock in Washington
The cause of the accident that killed U Zaw Aung at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday is still under investigation.

Worker killed in SFO vehicle crash

A worker for a private catering company was killed at San Francisco…

The cause of the accident that killed U Zaw Aung at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday is still under investigation.
Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSee table below article for stats on SFO concession increases since the 2010-11 fiscal year.

SFO upgrades credited for 14 percent increase in concession sales

Thanks to a series of improvements at San Francisco International Airport, including…

Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSee table below article for stats on SFO concession increases since the 2010-11 fiscal year.
Getty Images File PhotoProhibited: Ex-TSA chief Kip Hawley says fortified cockpit doors made carry-on bans on sharp objects and other items obsolete.

Dated TSA policies hurt security, ex-chief says

If the Transportation Security Administration changed its screening protocols, it could improve…

Getty Images File PhotoProhibited: Ex-TSA chief Kip Hawley says fortified cockpit doors made carry-on bans on sharp objects and other items obsolete.
Courtesy PhotoThe TSA is paying to find pea-sized threats with scanners such as the one above when all it needs is to find baseballs

Ex-air safety chief calls fancy scanners overkill

In May, San Francisco International Airport began deploying millions of dollars worth…

Courtesy PhotoThe TSA is paying to find pea-sized threats with scanners such as the one above when all it needs is to find baseballs
Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSee chart below to see how flier traffic has grown since 2000.

Flier traffic surging at SFO

Culminating a decade of growth, passenger traffic at San Francisco International Airport…

Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSee chart below to see how flier traffic has grown since 2000.
Courtesy PhotoDeeper look: Airport scanning machines’ “slicing capability” allows screeners to closely examine the contents of luggage using technology similar to that of a CT scan machine

SFO bag checkers flying blind

Baggage screeners at San Francisco International Airport warn that the Transportation Security…

Courtesy PhotoDeeper look: Airport scanning machines’ “slicing capability” allows screeners to closely examine the contents of luggage using technology similar to that of a CT scan machine
(Mike Koozmin/S.F Examiner)

SFO workers praise screening at San Jose airport

Screeners working at Covenant Aviation Security say Mineta San Jose International Airport…

(Mike Koozmin/S.F Examiner)
Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerWorries: Suitcases make the rounds

Staff cuts have gouged major holes in security, airport screeners claim

Airline passengers may hate paying for checked bags, but screeners for the…

Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerWorries: Suitcases make the rounds
S.F. Examiner File PhotoA former Covenant employee said he was "instructed to keep quiet" when attempting to inform superiors about work and security issues.

Whistle-blower accusations are not new at Covenant

This is not the first time that employees at San Francisco International…

S.F. Examiner File PhotoA former Covenant employee said he was "instructed to keep quiet" when attempting to inform superiors about work and security issues.
Courtesy PhotoFrom newcomer to industry leader: Covenant Aviation Security

SFO bag screeners blame privatization for alleged air safety lapses

Covenant Aviation Security, the most prominent private company within its industry, has…

Courtesy PhotoFrom newcomer to industry leader: Covenant Aviation Security
Getty Images File PhotoL.A. way: A U.S. study found SFO screeners more efficient than LAX counterparts.

TSA baggage screeners aren’t perfect

Last March, employees at Honolulu International Airport were found to have loaded…

Getty Images File PhotoL.A. way: A U.S. study found SFO screeners more efficient than LAX counterparts.
Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSpeaking out : Unionized workers protest conditions at SFO in April 2012.

Baggage screener whistle-blowers fear retribution from employer

Union whistle-blowers at Covenant Aviation Security say they are not motivated by…

Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSpeaking out : Unionized workers protest conditions at SFO in April 2012.
Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSecurity concerns: Covenant Aviation Security has been accused of clearing suspicious bags at SFO during peak travel times and putting luggage onto flights without a required second screening.

Company neglects safety, SFO baggage screeners say

Baggage screeners at San Francisco International Airport allege that dozens if not…

Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerSecurity concerns: Covenant Aviation Security has been accused of clearing suspicious bags at SFO during peak travel times and putting luggage onto flights without a required second screening.
Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerEmployees of Covenant Aviation Security repeatedly appealed to federal officials and company executives to address safety and management issues at SFO. CLICK TO SEE A LARGER VIEW.

SFO baggage screeners begged officials to act

On May 27, 2011, 137 of the baggage screeners then employed at…

Mike Koozmin/The S.F. ExaminerEmployees of Covenant Aviation Security repeatedly appealed to federal officials and company executives to address safety and management issues at SFO. CLICK TO SEE A LARGER VIEW.