Owais Crawford
Working at an airport can be an exciting career opportunity. Individuals may work in many roles within an airport, including employees of an airline company, airport support workers, or tenants inside the airport. However, due to today's security threats, airport background checks are crucial to fostering a safer environment for passengers and staff. This has led to questions about whether individuals with a felony can work at an airport. The answer depends on various factors, including the nature of the felony, the time passed since the conviction, and the specific requirements of the airport and its tenants. While some felonies may permanently disqualify individuals from certain positions, especially those requiring security clearance, other cases may be considered on an individual basis, with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of work | Working in a public area outside the TSA is less problematic than having access to a secured area. |
| Type of felony | A felony involving a TSI (transport security incident) or a federal crime of terrorism will lead to permanent disqualification. |
| Time since felony | The more recent the felony, the less likely you are to get a job. |
| Severity of felony | The more severe the felony, the less likely you are to get a job. |
| Other criminal history | If you have a history of getting in trouble with the law, you are less likely to get a job. |
| Honesty during application process | Being honest about your criminal history is important and may increase your chances of getting a job. |
| Current wanted status | If you are wanted or under indictment for a felony, you will be disqualified. |
| TSA discretion | The TSA has discretion over whether to hire someone with a criminal record. |
| Competition for roles | If there are more applicants than positions, you are less likely to get a job with a criminal record. |
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What You'll Learn
The TSA's extensive background checks
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for carrying out comprehensive background checks on all candidates applying for a job at the airport. The TSA background check is one of the most rigorous background checks in federal hiring. The TSA examines every detail of a candidate's history, from criminal records and credit history to drug use and prior employment, to ensure that the candidates are fully qualified to protect national security.
The TSA background check includes fingerprinting and screening, FAA record checks, drug tests, and more. The organization submits the fingerprints of the candidates to the FBI to ensure that no federal crimes were committed. The background check also involves reference checks to verify the information provided by the candidate. The TSA will look at Interpol, terrorist watchlists, other government databases, and any history of mental illness. They will also look at any criminal convictions.
The TSA has strict criteria for disqualification. Applicants will be disqualified if they have served jail time for more than 365 consecutive days, either in a foreign country or domestically. Applicants may also be disqualified if they have a history of security-related offenses that violate transport safety regulations, such as intimidating flight crew members. The TSA will not consider applications from individuals who have previously been deemed mentally unfit to stand trial or have pleaded insanity in court.
Certain felonies will result in permanent disqualification from employment with the TSA. These include espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism, transportation security incidents, and improper transport of hazardous materials. Applicants will also be permanently disqualified if they have been convicted of unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, manufacture, or transport of explosives or explosive devices.
For lesser offenses, applicants may need to wait up to seven years before they can work in a TSA-governed position. The TSA considers each case individually and takes into account the steps applicants have taken to change their lives since their felony convictions.
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Felony conviction and airport badging
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducts extensive background checks on all candidates for airport jobs, which include criminal record checks. The TSA has a list of disqualifying crimes, and applicants will be rejected if they have been convicted of any of these felonies, regardless of when they occurred. These include espionage, treason, terrorism, and transportation security incidents. Applicants will also be disqualified if they are wanted or indicted for a felony.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also has a lengthy list of disqualifying crimes, including murder, forgery, armed robbery, extortion, and illegal drug distribution. The FAA mandates that employers verify the identity of applicants for jobs in non-public areas and require two forms of ID, one with a picture.
Some sources suggest that a felony conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant, and that it depends on the role, the level of access required, and the number of available positions. For example, a DUI conviction may limit the scope of available positions but will not necessarily prevent someone from securing a job at an airport. Similarly, a Reddit user with a felony conviction was hired to work at an airport, although they had to agree to a year of probation.
Overall, while a felony conviction may not completely disqualify someone from working at an airport, it can significantly impact their employment opportunities and the level of access they are granted.
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Disqualifying felonies
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are the two federal agencies that make airport security rules in the United States. Both agencies set requirements for those working in an airport. The TSA, in particular, requires extensive background checks for its employees, which include Interpol, terrorist watchlists, other government databases, and any history of mental illness.
The TSA has a list of disqualifying felonies, which include:
- Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage
- Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition
- Treason or conspiracy to commit treason
- Federal crime of terrorism
- Crime involving a transportation security incident (TSI)
- Unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, manufacture, purchase, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, import, export, storage of, or dealing in an explosive or explosive device
- Threat or maliciously conveying false information known to be false regarding the deliverance, placement, or detonation of an explosive or another lethal device in or against a place of public use, state or government facility, public transportation system, or infrastructure facility
- Unlawful possession, use, sale, manufacture, purchase, distribution, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, delivery, import, export, or dealing in a firearm or other weapon
- Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering
The FAA also maintains a lengthy list of disqualifying crimes, such as murder, forgery, armed robbery, extortion, and illegal drug distribution.
It is important to note that having a felony charge does not necessarily disqualify an individual from securing a job at an airport. The type of felony, how long ago it was, and the applicant's conduct since then are also taken into consideration. Additionally, the availability of positions and the number of applicants may also play a role in the hiring decision.
Some roles that are generally accessible to individuals with a felony record include customer service, baggage handling, and custodial services.
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Felony conviction and employment opportunities
Airports are secure facilities that require comprehensive background checks for all candidates. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are the two federal agencies that set requirements and make security rules for airports in the United States. The type of background check and the likelihood of employment depend on the nature of the felony conviction, the time passed since the conviction, and the specific job requirements.
The TSA conducts extensive background checks for all candidates, including Interpol, terrorist watchlists, government databases, mental health history, and criminal convictions. Certain felonies, such as those related to explosives, threats, treason, terrorism, transportation security incidents, and unlawful possession or use of firearms, will result in permanent disqualification from TSA positions. If the felony conviction falls within seven years of the application or if the applicant was released from incarceration within five years, they may be temporarily disqualified. The TSA may also disqualify applicants based on violations of transportation security regulatory requirements, including security-related offenses at airports, on aircraft, or in connection with air cargo.
The FAA maintains control over screening requirements for most parts of the airport, especially non-public areas and those beyond the security checkpoint, known as Security Identification Display Areas (SIDAs). The FAA has a lengthy list of disqualifying crimes, including murder, forgery, armed robbery, extortion, and illegal drug distribution. Employers in these areas must verify the applicant's identity with two forms of ID, one with a photo, and inquire about the last ten years of employment history.
While a felony conviction can present challenges in obtaining certain airport positions, there are still employment opportunities available. Some roles that are generally accessible include customer service, baggage handling, and custodial services. Being honest and upfront about your conviction during the application and interview process is crucial. It is also important to note that each case is unique, and factors such as the severity and timing of the felony, as well as your conduct since then, will be considered. Seeking legal advice to understand your rights and the specific requirements of the job you are interested in is always recommended.
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The FAA's background check requirements
The FAA enforces clear guidelines for airport background checks, which are carried out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The FAA maintains broad control over the screening requirements for most parts of an airport. All non-public areas and areas past the security checkpoint require ID badges. These areas are called a Security Identification Display Area, or SIDA.
The FAA requires that job applications contain a question about criminal history. Individuals must report whether they have any convictions, and if they do, they must be disqualified. A formal criminal history check occurs under certain conditions, or "triggers", including:
- Gaps of employment that are 12 consecutive months or longer.
- Unsubstantiated claims on an application, such as a job that can't be confirmed.
- "Significant inconsistencies" in what the individual reports on the application.
- A situation where the airport operator has reason to believe that the candidate has disqualifying convictions.
The FAA has a lengthy list of disqualifying crimes, including murder, forgery, armed robbery, extortion, and illegal drug distribution. Airports and their tenants may also conduct other background checks not mandated by the FAA or TSA. For example, those driving airport vehicles on the ramp will likely need a DOT-approved background check process, which includes drug testing and a driving record check.
The TSA will use various information to determine the eligibility of an applicant, looking at Interpol, terrorist watchlists, other government databases, and any history of mental illness. They will also look at any criminal convictions. An applicant may be disqualified from working for the TSA for a period of time or permanently, depending on the crime they were convicted of. For example, if an applicant has been convicted of certain felonies within the past seven years, or if they were released from incarceration within five years of their application, they will be temporarily disqualified for holding a position with the TSA. If they have been convicted of certain felonies, they will be permanently disqualified from ever holding a position at the TSA.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the felony and the nature of the job. The TSA and FAA enforce clear guidelines for airport background checks, and certain felonies will disqualify you from working in secure areas. However, there are many different roles within an airport, and some may be more accessible to people with a criminal record.
Jobs that are generally accessible to individuals with a felony include customer service, baggage handling, and custodial services. However, this may vary depending on the nature of your felony and the specific requirements of the airport and its tenants.
Yes, it is important to be truthful and disclose any criminal record when applying for an airport job. Failure to do so may result in disqualification or termination of your employment.
The TSA will consider various factors when conducting a background check, including Interpol and terrorist watchlists, government databases, mental health history, and criminal convictions. The FAA also has a lengthy list of disqualifying crimes, including murder, forgery, armed robbery, extortion, and illegal drug distribution.
