Air travel has come a long way in a relatively short time. Advances in technology and engineering have pushed this industry to unimaginable heights. Advancements have also provided a convenient, reliable and safe mode of transportation. Over the past decade, air travel has become a target for terrorists to demonstrate their efforts to attract the world's attention and to prove their points. The attacks of September 11, 2011 and others around the world have demonstrated how real these problems are, and America has taken up the fight against them. The ongoing and credible threat of terrorist attacks against the nation's commercial airports requires the TSA to take appropriate measures to ensure the highest level of security possible, consistent with current threat levels and with reasonable consideration for the privacy of air travelers. Credible Threats Perhaps one of the most credible threats to aviation security is the case of Richard Reid. Richard Reid was the man accused of trying to blow up a transatlantic flight with explosives in his shoes. (CNN, 2002) Some may not know that Mr. Reid was actually held for questioning the day before and missed his flight. He attempted to board the plane the next day only to be subjected to further questioning but was ultimately allowed to fly. He was caught trying to light a cord on the tongue of his shoe during the flight when he was subdued by the crew and passengers. (CNN, 2002) He's not alone in this matter; Abdul Haqq Baker, president of Brixton Mosque in south London, said there were around 1,000 extremist Muslims in the UK, with at least 100 ready to become suicide bombers. (BBC, 2001) There is no shortage of volunteers “for the cause”, something...... half of document ......ty/MSNBC, (2010, October 30). Obama: Yemen Devices Are a 'Credible Terrorist Threat'. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39911024/ns/us_news-security Rodriguez, Ovidio (2011, April 10). Personal interviewTSA, (2007, October 07). TSA tests second passenger imaging technology at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Retrieved from http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2007/press_release_10112007.shtmTSA, (2011). Advanced imaging technology. Retrieved from http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtmTSA, (2011, April). Prohibited items. Retrieved from http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/pertched-prohibited-items.shtmTSA, (2011, April 10). Who we are. Retrieved from http://www.tsa.gov/Tyson, J., & Gabrianowski, E. (2010, April 7). How airport security works. Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airport-security4.htm