and as the tsa administrator noted on the recent hearing before this committee, tsa will need several more years before it can effectively ensure that all inbound are cargo, that air cargo climb into our country is fully screened in accordance with 9/11 mac requirements. and it's important. i'd like to give ms. reeder and not. it's important at the tsa for an airport assessment helps achieve these broad harmonization goals for this foreign airport assessment she manages. choo-choo program, tsa would use the security practices of foreign airport to help identify where a country might need additional security training and technical assistance. we think that's a very useful expenditure of tsa resources. we'll have more to say about this program next year. we're currently doing a comprehensive audit and we expect to report on this probably the middle of next year. at the same time, i'd like to also highlight a number of challenges that dhs and tsa face in their efforts to harmonize. first come harmonization depends on the voluntary participation of foreign countries, which is sovereign na

>> the tsa office is closed for the christmas holidays. all questions are being referred to their website which indicates that, quote, tsa is monitoring closely new indications of terrorist tactics. >>> a pilot based at san francisco national airport has resigned. it comes as he was previously suspended from the program for posting some behind-the-scenes individual on the interin the of what he considers lack security procedures for airport ground crews: airport security is kind of a farce. it's only smoke and mirrors. >> the video shows crews entering restricted areas without being checked. the pilot is still working but he is under scrutiny from tsa and may face civil penalties for disclosing information on restricted areas. >>> police in san francisco are hoping surveillance video will help them identify the gunman who made his way to the valley fair mall yesterday, carrying a rifle. it begap around 5:00 last night. that's when the suspect entered the club monaco clothing store and reportedly pointed a weapon at the sales clerk and dema

the pilot himself is in trouble with the tsa and the tsa tells us that the pilot must be able to maintain sensitive security information and that's as far as they would go with this case. >> and that's a fair point and that's what john nance is saying, as well. but do the ground crews have less security screening than the pilots? less security screening than the pilots? >> reporter: it would seem that way with the cell phone video, but the tsa said, they are confident in the tools the airport implemented, saying there are security measures in place both seen and unseen. so, they stand by that swipe card technique. >> they don't want to reveal what those measures are. okay, david muir, thanks very much. >>> when we return, a little traveling music. our reporter tallies the all-time top road trip songs. [ coughing ] [ tea kettle whistle ] [ water pouring ] [ punches ] [ male announcer ] beat your worst flu symptoms. new theraflu max d contains the most powerful medicine allowable without a prescription to fight your worst flu symptoms. theraflu max d. serious power. take the power of theraf

as the tsa administrator noted in a recent hearing, the tsa will need several more years before it can effectively ensure that all in downed air cargo -- inbound air cargo is fully screened in accordance with 9/11 requirements. i would like to give miss reeder a nod. for the program she manages, it helps identify where a country might need additional security training and technical assistance. we think that is a useful expenditure of tsa resources. we'll have more to say about this program next year. we are doing a comprehensive audit and expects to report on this probably in the middle of next year. at the same time, i would like to also highlighted a number of challenges that dhs and tsa face in their effort to harmonize. harmonization depends on the voluntary participation of foreign countries, which a sovereign nation cannot be compelled to implement specific security measures. many developing countries do not have the financial resources or human capital to enhance the security programs in a manner consistent with our expectations. third, legal and cultural factors sometimes inhib

. >> reporter: the pilot, who asked that we not identify him or his airline, was authorized by the tsarry a handgun in the cockpit. the pilot is asking the question, why are you and i and even he and other members of his flight crew, forced to go through a security checkpoint? while the people who service the aircraft, are free to come and go as they please? >> this is their screening. se card slide and one door. >> reporter: three days after the pilot posted his airport security tour on youtube, four federal air marshals and two sheriff's deputies arrived at his house, which he also recorded. >> what's up? >> reporter: they were here to confiscate his federally-issued handgun. >> why am i on suspension? >> reporter: a letter later arrived informing the pilot his status as a federal deputy was being reviewed because tsa had seen that video on youtube. the pilot's attorney believes the feds sent six people to his house to send a message. >> and the message was, you've angered us by telling the truth. and by showing america that there are major security problems, despite the fact that we

i was talking to some of our tsa people when i came home from holiday to come back here. i will talk about the good work that they do. they go through quite a public bruhaha, and i understand the concerns raised by the people who called me, but i think that these employees are doing their job. what they told me was that passengers were appreciative of their work, but i think they went through the wringer and appreciated the support they got from the department. i'd just want to put my appreciation for their work, whatever the policy changes may be. >> thank you very much. i think that is an important statement to understand. the people at our airports doing the day-to-day screening, they are working under orders of process and procedure and supervision. they by and large to a really outstanding job. like everyone else, you can find one that has had a bad day and may not be doing quite as well as you would hope, but by and large, i have traveled a lot, and i think they do a pretty good job. given the pat down issue, given the advanced imaging issues and the 24/7 news about

his bone of contention is with the tsa. he posted a youtube video which showed ground crews coming and going from san francisco's airport merely by swiping a c ard. his attorney created a website referring to him as a patriot pilot. only yesterday when did he -- did he reveal his identity. >> i actually addressed it to the tsa. there are news articles on it. but i posted it on youtube to get a discussion from the youtube community. >> reporter: now, liu has released his home video which shows federal agents confiscating gun. he has allowed to carry a gun because he was part of federal program. american airlines asked him to take down his youtube posting and he says for now, he still has a pilot job with american. >> we've heard from -- from innumerable airport officials, tsa officials, and ex-tsa officials who have all said u nequickically this security problem exists. >> i want to make it perfectly clear that have the utmost respect for the ground crew and aircrew. we are all a team. >> reporter: we've not heard from the t

as ken reports the tsa is looking at whether the pilot revealed sensitive information.>reporter: he is get the airline he works for and his identity a secret. he shot the video ended video that we posted. >> you can see airport security is kind of a farce. it's mirrors. >>reporter: the pilot contends that flight crews are screened by the tsa but not the cruise as fuel, clean and resupply aircraft. >> how effective is security when everybody on board is screened and everybody on the ground isn't. >> he shows ground crews coming and going in a secure area. >> >>reporter: the videos were removed from youtube and the pilot who was authorized by the tsa to carry a gun on board, said this video shows federal agents at his own confiscating his gun after he exposed what he calls a security lapse. passengers we talked to were mixed about the pilot actions. >> i think you should expose them too. >> i don't think he knows the whole system and i think he should talk to the security people at the airport. because if he did i think he would have more confidence. >>reporter: the tsa r

well, such warnings only increase the pressure, of course, on tsa agents at the nation's airports. >>are supposed to serve as a last line of defense. but some apparently aren't tent. our brian ross has his investigation into the tsa. >> reporter: in the midst of last year's christmas travel period, tsa screeners at houston's bush airport somehow managed to miss a loaded, high-powered glock pistol in an empty computer carry-on bag. this is what it would have looked like. authorities tell abc news it happens all the time, screeners asleep at the screen. >> with a determined threat, like that in al qaeda, that should be troubling news, inde >> rep >> reporter: in fact, the owner of the gun in houston boarded a continental flight and flew to his destination before realizing the gun was in his carry-on bag. >> i mean this is not a small gun. it's a .40 caliber gun. >> reporter: houston business man, farid seif, who carries a gun because he works late, says he forgot to unpack it before the trip, and reported the incident as soon as he landed, astounded at the security lapse. >> there was n

tsa screeners failed to spot guns, even bombs? brian ross investigates. >>> and, helping hands. so many of you, such generous offers, after our story last night about the heartbreaking letters to santa. >>> good evening. it is all there in black and white. the target dates, the heavy toll. the long-awaited review of america's war in afghanistan was released today, addressing the questions, how much ground has been gained? and is the end in sight, after more than nine years? our new poll finds increasing discontent, 60% of americans now say it has not been worth fighting. we'll delve into this new report, beginning with jake tapper at the white house. jake? >> reporter: good evening, diane. well, the review states that conditions are being created for the u.s. troops to begin withdrawing next summer, though they will remain until 2014. but the review underlines that whatever gains have been made in the last year, they are fragile and reversible. the president announced today that the u.s. will essentially stay the course in this war that has essentially become his. >> we will nev

now he's in hot water with the tsa.fter months of glitches and delays, why san francisco's muni may finally be back on track. first though a holiday greeting from a service member serving in iraq. sapphire preferred are worth 25% more on travel. we're like forget florida, we're going on a safari. so we're on the serengeti, and seth finds a really big bone. we're talking huge. they dig it up, put it in the natural history museum and we get to name it. raus. sethasauraus. really. your points from chase sapphire preferred are worth 25% more on travel? means better vacations. that's incredible. believe it...with chase sapphire preferred your points are worth 25% more on travel when booked through ultimate rewards. >>> 4:41. good morning on thursday. can i say thursday? no because i'm thinking about friday. it's tripping me up. you know what, it is dry and we're going to have a sunny day. haven't had that in a while. we'll talk more about the weather including another rain cell coming our way with frances in just a moment. >

the tsa said they could high explosives inside thermoses.re is no intelligence about an active terror plot involving the items. >>> they won't be getting their christmas gifts due to a bold daylight robbery. they hijacked a fedex truck. >>> it could be an early holiday gift about san pablo families. officials say lake elementary school may stay open after all. they planned to close the school in june but now it's working with the district to contribute to the operating cost. >> there is promising discussions now that is going on. so yes, it looks very promising. >> i thank god for that. yeah. i thank the lord for keeping this open. this is cool. >> the city council is expected to take up the issue in about two weeks. >>> recovery efforts will resume this morning for a florida mine worker trapped under water and now feared dead. kenneth stephens junior fell into a water filled rock pit when the ground he was walking in gave way. a boat was brought in to search for him. crews will build a berm around him. >>> top italian officials say anarchis

the tsa has since dubbed the the nation's "no fly" list. we have been talking about the increased security measures last month. as for the volume of passengers at the airport today, it is up 3% over the holiday period as a whole last year. but i just talked to the spokesman here at sfo, and he said that the traffic today should be much lighter than yesterday. but we did talk to some folks about why they decided to travel today instead. >> i had finals. i go to uc-berkeley so i had finish up. >> my flights are cancelled on saturday because of the snow so now i'm heading back. so i'll be back on christmas day just about. >> reporter: we lope he makes it in time, heading to london. the average ticket price is $421 probably for domestic flights. that's up 5% over last year. >>> average, show us that bottle again. i take a water bottle and filled it up after i go through security. this is not the one they are worried about right? >> no. they are still going to be watching for things like that and, of course, your bottle has to be empty regardles

you cannot miss it. >> reporter: the failures of tsa screeners to spot guns and other dangerous itemsclosely held government secret. results from the most recent so-called red team test by the government accountability office were apparently so bad they are classified. and despite billions spent on equipment, the last line of defense remains tsa screeners, faced with a mind-numbing task. >> we don't pay them very much money and we don't train them very well. and you get what you get. >> reporter: in the case of that the screeners at the scene, were disciplined but not fired. brian ross, abc news, new york. >>> the los angeles police department is asking the public to identify 150 women whose pictures they found at the home of a suspected serial killer. they've now posted those photos online. lonnie franklin is accused of killing ten women, some in the '80s. and others between 2002 and 2007. because of that gap in years, he's now being called the grim sleeper. >>> meanwhile, investigators in seattle say surveillance video taken on a city bus helped them arrest five teens in a senseless

no inappropriate activity is taking place. >> seems like everybody is piling on the tsa these days,rom youtube videos to headlines. but are people out there really as angry as all of that? well, today, we spoke with one of the agency's top union leaders who says, don't believe everything you're hearing. >> we are not fondling or groping anybody's, you know, genitals. >> jimmy: okay. [ laughter ] now i'm worried. i wasn't before, but -- i guarantee that guy drives a van. [ laughter ] thank you, spokesman mccreepy for making -- most people, i do think, understand that the security checks are necessary. but if you believe what you see on the news, you would think this country is on the verge of a revolution. a lot of anger is being directed at the tsa, which is no good for the workers who are trying to do their jobs. it's a big concern, going into a holiday weekend. so, today, the tsa released a public service announcement that will hopefully help calm people down a little. >> we're tsa workers. >> we're working hard. >> to keep you safe. >> under challenging circumstances. >> you thin

check out the tsa carolers at l.a.x. ♪ frosty the snowman ♪ jolly happy soul >> there's a lot of stressstart singing, maybe you get a smile, maybe someone will just relieve a little bit of the stress. ♪ he was made of snow ♪ but the children know ♪ how he came to life one day >> something that we do, i think, to show a different face for, you know, the tsa, more human side. ♪ rudolph the red-nosed reindeer ♪ ♪ had a very shiny nose >> the tsa people who have been so bad mouthed, bring everybody together. everything in the christmas spirit. ♪ then one foggy christmas eve ♪ santa came to say >> while we waited, get us on our trip for christmas. >> american airlines flights leaving at 12:05 to miami, denver, chicago, san francisco -- ♪ here to stay ♪ is the new bird ♪ sings a love song ♪ as we go along ♪ walking in a winter wonderland ♪ >> go tsa, yeah! love it! >> we love it, too. what a great way to end the night. we hope you have a soundtrack like that if you're traveling. i'm george stephanopoulos. for diane sawyer and all of us at abc news, have a great night. >>> state of emergency i

the new alert is fairly new from tsa. in fact, a handful of travelers we spoke to this morning did not know about the terror alert on use of therm acs on planes. but one passenger indicated this was not unexpected. >> i don't carry any drinks through. i think it's slightly r idiculous. but i mean, given -- given past experience, i guess, it -- i guess it feels like it'sness. >> reporter: the tsa announced yesterday, they will be d ouble- checking therm acs. more than three ounces of liquid are not allowed. but anyone taking a therm -- thermos through are band. sfo's duty manager told us this morning, the airplane in general is not doing anything specific due to the alert. we also contacted the tsa office a few hours ago. but due to the holiday, the office is closed. all questions are being referred to their website. usually christmas day is busy travel day. 98,000 passengers are expected through sfo today. numbers are slightly down from last year. travelers this morning say the experience has been smooth t oday. reporting

. >> why didn't did you to the tsa with this? why did you put it out online for all to see?> well, there have been numerous articles written about this security problem. and i just wanted to address it. i didn't really think that anybody was watching youtube.com. so i didn't really think much of it. >> well, the tsa did watch it and sent agents to his house to confiscate his handgun. the pilot has been suspended, accused of revealing security secrets but lou's attorney said he didn't reveal passengers could see on their own. >> it was a surprise that tsa has time to watch youtube.com. really the issue is why aren't they securing our airports and doing a better job of screening the ground crews. >> lou says just a card flight can get ground crews on the airline field and access to planes at sfo while upstairs passenger and pilots have to go through security and metal detectors. a spokesperson says that door leads to a lunch room. >> the door is irrelevant because i've been through hundreds of airports and they're basically the same. >> lou says he's speaking openly now to bri

. >> why didn't did you t the tsa with this? why did you put it out online for all to see?well, there have been numerous articles written about this security problem. and i just wanted to address it. i didn't really think that anybody was watching youtube.com. so i didn't reall think much of it. >> well, the tsa did watch it and sent agentso his house to confiscateis handgun. the pilot has been suspended, accused of revealing security secrets but lou's atrney said he didn' reveal passengers could see on their own. >> it was a surprise that tsa has time watch youtube.com. really the issu is why aren't they securg our airports and doing a better job of screening the ground crews. >> lou says just a card flight can get ground crews on the airline field and access to planes at sfo while upstrs passenger and pilots have to go through security and metal detectors. a spokesperson says that door leads to a lunch room. >> the door is irrelevant because i've been through hundreds of airports and they're basically the same. >> lou says he's speaking openly now to bring all sides toget

in a statement the tsa says this "tsa has confidence in airport employee access in place at airports nationwide including san francisco international airport." >> i have been through thousands of those doors at airports across the country. >> it is unfortunate that both tsa and san francisco have tried to basically mislead the american public by saying this problem isn't a problem. >> now, in a statement s.f.o says doors shown in the video only provide access to an employee lunch room and not the air field. >>> a barrier that had been keeping potential owners from their potential pets has been knocked down in part of the bay area. shelters are allowing people to name their own prices for pets. why it is a win/win situation. >>> the signal is getting stronger for iphone users. where in the bay area they will find who they are suffering. >>> -- are surfing ,,,,,,,, home for silent knight, the sea lion found shot in the face three weeks ago. >>> vetnaryians are looking for a home for silent knight. that's the sea lion found shot in the face three weeks ago. he lost his right eye and has

the story here is why isn't tsa doing an adequate job in protecting us? >> top military leaders are praising the tsa warnings about those insulated mugs, though. the head of the u.s. northern command says it's an example of federal leaders doing their best to anticipate terror tactics. yesterday tsa officials said terrorists could use those cups to conceal explosives and they could slow you down at the security gate because they'll be checking them. passengers have their doubts about those new precautions. >> it's just another hassle we have to deal with with travelers. the next thing, you won't be able to bring your purse or lip gloss. i guess if it keecps us from being blown up in the air, we'll deal with it. >> no specific threat has surfaced. >>> a pair of vallejo men got a surprise. the two fell overboard around 2:00 this afternoon. luckily a nearb boater saw what happened, called the accident in, raised over andea hauled bo men out of the water. it's not clear how they lost their footing, but the coast guard said they weren't hurt. of course, they w

he also wishes the pilot would have brought his concerns to the tsa and not broadcast them to the public. amy hollyfield, abc7 news. >> and reporter george warren of our affiliate in sacramento broke this story when the pilot contacted him. >>> stormy weather is causing major problems in southern california. severe flooding in san diego's mission valley neighborhood caused three hotels and one apartment complex to be evacuated. water completely cur under roughed one inn forcing the evacuation of hotel guests in these inflatable rafts. >> you don't know what to do in a situation like that. just cooperate with the firefighters and hopefully they will help you through it. >> not far uh way, qualcomm stadium was submerged. it flooded inside and the parking lot of the stadium. >>> and look at this. a 4-foot high wall flooded laguna beach in orange county. it also brought a tide of mud. and even more mud came sliding down a hillside in highland near the foothills of the san bernadino mountains. mudslides destroyed 20 homes and the swollen santa ana river flooded some of the overpasses. >>> if

in tsa. the pilot's attorney thinks they sent six people to the pilot's house to send a message. >> the message was you've angered us by telling the truth and by showing america there are major security problems despite the fact we've spent billions of dollars allegedly to improve airline safety. >> a tsa spokesman told abc 7 news he's unaware of the incident but did say airport employees go through thorough background checks and are subject to random screenings. it isn't feasible to screen all the employees and passengers every day. he wishes he brought miss concern to the tsa and not broadcast them to the public. >> we wanna mention reporter george warren of our affiliate in sacramento broke the story when the pilot contacted him. it's 5:43 now. big crowds at the malls. have you seen them? and the rising cost of your morning cup of coffee. the bloomberg business report coming up. >> in chicago, firefighters mourn the loss of two of their own. next, why they were all willing to put their liv

in a statement the tsa says this "tsa has confidence in airport employee access control measures in place at airports nationwide including san francisco international airport." >> i have been through thousands of those black doors at hundreds of different airports all across the country. >> i think it is unfortunate that both tsa and san francisco have tried to basically mislead the american public by saying this problem isn't a problem. >> now, in a statement s.f.o says that door shown in the video only provides access to an employee lunch room and not the air field. >>> our winter storm door is wide open. my goodness. >> absolutely. >> we have been somewhat lucky it has been a holiday so not as many folks out. boy it has been coming down around the bay area. heavier amounts of rain shifting further to the south as we take you in for a closer look in towards the san jose area. pocket amounts of rain in here. lots of heavier amounts of rain beginning to show up over the santa cruz mountains. strong gusty winds to go with that. 20 to 40 miles per hour. still around the bay area. very stron

the tsa has since doubled the size of the nation's "no fly" list.e volume of passengers at the airport, it is up 3% over the holiday period last year. we spoke with some passengers today about what they are really looking forward to, to go home for the holidays. >> i'm looking forward to christmas eve dinner with my family. yeah. >> food. i'm starving. >> and presents, of course. >> family. >> just seeing my new grandbaby. so she's 20 months old and we're looking forward to it. >> reporter: that's all very exciting stuff. of course it will cost you a pretty penny. the average ticket price for the holiday season is $421 right now. that's up 5% over last year. robert. >> anne makovec live at sfo, anne, thanks so much. >>> it is 5:32. revenge, the apparent reason for mail bombs sent to two embassies in rome. an italian security official says the swiss and chilean embassies were targeted to avenge actions those countries took against anarchists who claim responsibility for yesterday's explosion that injured two people. the bombings heightened tensions a

tsa officers are the last line of defense against them but some are paying little attention.the midst of last year's christmas travel period, tsa screeners at houston's bush airport somehow managed to miss a loaded high-powered glock pistol in an empty computer carry-on bag. this is what it would have looked like. authorities tell abc news it happens all the time. screeners asleep at the screen. >> with a determined threat, that should be troubling news indeed. >> reporter: in fact, the owner of the gun in houston boarded a continental flight and flew to his destination before realizing the gun was in his bag. >> i mean this is not a small gun. it's a .40 caliber gun. >> reporter: houston businessman farid seif who carries a gun because he works late says he forgot to unpack it before the trip, and reported the incident as soon as he landed, astounded at the security lapse. >> there was nothing else in there. how can you miss it? you cannot miss it. >> reporter: the failures of tsa screeners to spot guns and other dangerous items is a closely held government secret. results f

troubleefor american boston promoter don king. ú%s carry on luggage.n hio during a search tsa officials. %-no worr yet about if e receid p>> police in florida are fighting to help man's best officers ay they wantttheir %-health benefits and reeirement plann they do for their years of hard ork. retired police dogs in tampa arr taaennin full-time by their ffr the aaimaas medical biils. billssthat could be thousands a dolllr a year. one officer says hh wants ttat changgd. he started a non-profit to help pay bills for retirrd dogs. >> they work just as hard as we %-work, they still wwnt to go t3 work. he would go to ork today f hh could. >> tte officer says he came uu with the idea affer co-worker speet $33000 on ne dog's >>>>take a look at this, santaa3 arriving early for one anadian city, buu not in the way you expect to see ssnta. ú%ke a look! take a lookkat that, there's a lot ess clottes ttan i'm usee to sseing stan with. these are dozens offpeopll dress as santa jogging through downtown for santa's speedo run. all for a good cause though, th3 ú%occeds go tooard the childden's hospital

or causes a loss of confidence in tsa.'s attorney believes the sent six people to the pilot's house to send a message. >> the message was you angered us by telling the truth and showing america there is major security problems despite the fact we've spent billions of dollars allegedly to improve airline safety. >> abc news was told he was unaware of the incident but they go through thorough background checks and subject to ran done screenings. it isn't feasible to scan all all every day. he wishes the pilot would have brought his concerns to the tsa and not broadcast them to the public. amy hollyfield, abc 7 news. >> reporter george warren of our sister station kxtv in sacramento brought the story when the pilot contacted him. we know why helicopters were hovering so dangerously low in tahoe this fall. remember this? showing pilots positioning their $33 million helicopters just a few feet above the water in emerald bay. both choppers appeared to lose power and briefly dipped into the water doing more than a half million do

tsa agents will now be looking for thermos containers.ermoses. >>> retailers are having their best year since 2007 and maybe their best year ever. and today could be black friday all over again with christmas on a saturday, many shoppers have today off and are heading for the stores. >> there you go. >> reporter: christmas bells are ringing in the form of cash registers. bargain hunters hoping to snag last-minute deals are gifts for retailers trying to get back in the black. according to a new retail survey, shoppers are shelling out $1 billion more this year than last. >> it's clearly a different mood than what we saw last year. there's more energy, it's more exciting, the consumers are certainly more interested in participating in the event. >> reporter: a new commerce department report shows overall, consumer spending rose 0.4% in november. consumer confidence is at its highest level in six months. and check out these malls in florida. hundreds of people lined up to buy the latest michael jordan basketball shoes. >> went through hell.

how does the tsa respond to his claim? >> san francisco city hall is in the christmas spirit tonight. but it could lack a lot more gloomy tomorrow. the forecast in less than 10 minutes. >> people flock to a popular lightning fast. lightning strong. verizon 4g lte. rule the air on the most advanced 4g network in the world. . >>> a san francisco based airline pilot has raised the ire of federal agents after posting video on youtube of what he says are gaps in security at sfo. the pilot has now resigned from his position as a federal flight deck officer which allowed him to carry a gun in the cockpit. ktvu's ken prichett report. >> he has kept both the airline he works for and his identity a secret. this is a video he post today youtube in november. >> you can see the airport security is kind of a farce. it's only smoke and mirrors. >> reporter: the pilot contends flight crews, like passengers, are screened by the tsa, but not the crews that fuel, clean and re-supply the aircraft. >> how effective is security when everybody o

how does the tsa respond to his claim? >> san francisco city hall is in the christmas spirit tonight. but it could lack a lot more gloomy tomorrow. the forecast in less than 10 minutes. >> people flock to a popular san francisco establishment. why weren't food and beverages tasted there. . >>> a san francisco based airline pilot has raised the ire of federal agents after posting video on youtube of what he says are gaps in security at sfo. the pilot has now resigned from his position as a federal flight deck officer which allowed him to carry a gun in the cockpit. ktvu's ken prichett report. >> he has kept both the airline he works for and his identity a secret. this is a video he post today youtube in november. >> you can see the airport security is kind of a farce. it's only smoke and mirrors. >> reporter: the pilot contends flight crews, like passengers, are screened by the tsa, but not the crews that fuel, clean and re-supply the aircraft. >> how effective is security when everybody onboard is screened and everybody on

tsa says it has intelligence some terrorists may be using these to carry explosives. as for the scene at chicago's o'hare airport, some 1.8 million travelers expected to pass through here. this is, of course, one of the busiest airports in the country. you can see the security line behind me. it is starting to fill up now. it's slowly starting to get busier and busier. as for the flights themselves, at this point there are no weather-related delays, although here in chicago, we're expecting to get one to two inches of snow this afternoon. but the weather cooperating for now. other parts of the country are bracing for old man winter. the southeast expected to get a dousing of snow just before christmas. now, one final thing. officials here at chicago and other major airports are advising travelers to get there two hours before their flight takes off and also saying, don't bring any wrapped gifts. if you do, they could be unwrap and inspected. lynn, back to you. >> stephanie there in chicago. thanks so much and have a happy holiday. >>> well, the increase in travel lett

the tsa issued a new alert for airports just as many are trying to get away for the holiday. delta had to cancel 500 christmas day strikes because of a storm threatening the east coast. michelle franzen has more for you. >> reporter: the holiday getaway is on. >> it's a time for family and spending time together with the loved ones. >> reporter: brandon is one of an limited 92 million americans traveling this christmas where part of the gift of giving is getting there. >> she just started walking like a month ago. >> it's important to be with my family on christmas, so it's worth all the trouble. >> reporter: at airports around the country, there were no major problems atramped up. no problems passing through security. >> reporter: that despite a new alert issued by the tsa that empty insulated bench containers could be screened more closely. authorities say there was not a specific threat but a concern terrorists could use them to conceal explosive chemicals. from the skies to the roads. a whopping 93% of travelers are driving despite a jump in gas prices. up about 40 cents

travelers today may notice the tsa taking a closer look at empty insulated beverage containers. the possible tactics terrorists might use is concealed explosives in beverage containers. passengers may notice additional security measures related to insulated beverage containers. >>> even with security issue, there are still a lot of people taking to the skies to head to their holiday destination just in time for christmas. it was smooth going for passengers heading out of oakland international airport today. 100million people are traveling by plane or train this week. >> i actually left early morning from sacramento and it was clear all the way here: so far it hasn't been bad. travel has been pretty good. >> reporter: airlines are warning passengers to expect delays on their way home. snowy weather on the east coast and more rain could cause problems on sunday and monday. >>> a north bay man woke up today to smoke and flames in his home and had to run for his life. it happened about 8:00 this morning on lombardi avenue in east petaluma. by the time firefighters arrived, smoke had

. >> he argued ground crews are not screened by metal dedoctors or tsa. sfo says the video presents false information about the airport security program. >> and while that pilot has got national attention it's renewed controversy not knew nu at all, exposing a phone shall weakness that has been talked about for years. abc 7 is here tonight with more on that issue. sue? >> questions over how best to screen thousands of workers entering and leaving secure areas have been raised many times. here at abc 7 we began reporting on efforts to improve the system well before september 11th. a lot has been done to increase security in recent years it hasn't been put to rest for the concerned. >> have you taken a flight lately you? face id checks, body scans, and sometimes, bag searches. it can be rigorous. >> there is 1400 cameras that are focused on various points of interest within the terminal complex at san francisco airport. >> cameras watch over every move. but some claim workers don't go through the same screening. a certain that isn't new. abc 7 news reported

we have gotten a statement from the tsa.silver bullet in aviation security and watchlist betting is only one of the many layers to keep the public safe. unfortunately, "usa today" ignored facts inconvenient to the story they set out to right. secure flight was developed to plug inconsistencies in the vetting process when it was handled by the airlines. by requiring more bigraphical information from each passenger and continuously matching every watchful investigation, it is a much more effective means to identify passengers who may pose a safety risk no matter when they are identified. >>> president obama scoring a victory with the passage of his tax cut plan, but is it a sign that he and other democrats are moving towards the middle? i'll talk with pennsylvania governor ed rendell at the top of the hour.le annou seasonal flavors are here. ♪ express yourself ♪ [ female announcer ] because coffee is like the holidays. it's better when you add your flavor. coffee-mate. from nestle. a body at rest tends to stay at rest... while

this was about aviation security. >> the tsa is now investigating liu. the pilot's attorney is calling on congress to investigate. >>> more flights are getting back on track but some passengers in the northeast are still stranded after sunday's blizzard. travel officials say it could be new year's before everyone gets home. during the storm, more than 7,000 flights were cancelled across the country. at new york's laguardia airport, hundreds of passengers are just waiting to get on a plane. >> found out that now they rescheduled my 6:00 -- 6 a.m. flight that was supposed to leave this morning for thursday. >> take it one day at a time. pretend like it's some expedition like we are going on a camping trip. >> as if that's not bad enough, some passengers are facing a different nightmare. at least three flights at kennedy airport were stuck on the tarmac up to 10 hours. that's because all the gates were being used at the time. >>> and as if those delays weren't bad enough how about those travelers? they are going to have to pay even more the next time they f

tsa officials say additional training and better images equipment have been provided at houston's bushort after they let a male with say loaded gun go through security. a businessman discovered it and reported it himself after getting to his destination and remembering, oh, he forgot to remove his glock from his carry on bag. the businessman says he doesn't understand why screeners didn't catch it when there was nothing else in the bag. the tsa won't say how often they fail to catch banned items in random tests but told our sister station in houston this "was not uncommon." >> that's not good to know. especially with peoplelelelelelñ >> today on oprah at 4:00, part two of her ultimate malt giveaways. big impact oprah has on a grassroots nonprofit trying to find good homes for senior dogs. >> finally tonight if the weather cooperates you'll get to see the year's only totaltal lunar eclipse. 11 p.m.. you have to stay up late. that is the first time that has happened since 1554. >> the full moon passes through the shadow created by the earth blocking the sun's light. >> some indirect sunl

we have contacted the tsa office an hour ago due to the holiday the office is closed. all questions are being referred to their website. tsa will be carefully monitoring information related to terrorist tactics. 98,000 passengers are expected through sfo today. numbers are slightly down from last year but nonetheless what do passengers think about the additional security measures? coming up we will hear from passengers. reporting live from sfo this morning jade hernandez. >>> the chp has an important warning for everyone heading out to a christmas eve party. they begin their holiday crack down on drunk driving. there will also be a sobriety check point at cities across the bay area. this period will continue right into the new year. last night half a dozen law enforcement agencies manned dui check points at central san rafael. >> it's a big deal. it does make an impression. hopefully someone sitting in the backseat or young kid going through the car will make a deal and say i'm not going to drink and drive. >> there will be more than 200 drunk driving check points in c

. >> this pilot who asked we not identify him or his airline was authorized by tsa to carry a handgun in the cockpit. >> there is this thing. >> he has access to this scary-looking axe on the flight deck. >> this is a check. >> the pilot is asking. why are you and i and he and other members of his flight crew forced to go through a security check point while the people who service the aircraft are free to come and go as they please? >> i just wanted to give you an idea of what type of security for ground person there is. this is their screen as you can see. there is only a cart and one door. when you see a cart those carts aren't screened. >> three days of the pilot posted his security tour on you tube four federal air marshals and two sheriff deputy arrived at his house which he recorded. >> what's up? >> they were here to confiscate his handgun. >> why am i on suspension? >> a letter informing his status as a federal deputy was being reviewed because tsa had seen the video. the attorney believes the feds sent six foam his house to send a message. >> the message was you have angered

tsa officials say addional training and better images equipment have been provided at houston's bushnational airport after they let a male with say loaded gun go through security. a busineman discovered it and reported it hielf after getting to his destinion and remembering, oh, he forgot to remove his glock from his carry on bag. the businessman says he doesn't understand why screeners didn't catch it when the was nothing else in the bag. the tsa won't say how often they fail to catch banned items in random tests but told our sister station in houston this "was not uncommon." >> that's not good to know. especially with people travelg. "; >> today on oprah at 4:00, part two of her ultimate malt giveaws. big impact oprah has on a grassroots nonprofit trying to find good homes for senior dogs. >> finally tonight if the weather operates you'll get to see the year's only totaltal lunar eclipse. 11 p.m.. you have to st up late. that is the first time that has happened since 1554. >> the full moon passes throu the shadow created by the earth blocking the sun's light >> some indirect sunlig

the tsa checks their people. and the ramp is thoroughly vetted with a 10-year fbi background check. this is just not willy-nilly. there is a whole serious of processes for people to get access to the plane. >> and tphrád to the safeguards, sfo says they could detect plastic explosives and it includes 1400 cameras, and thorough baggage screening. >>> president obama is condemning the suicide bombing in pakistan that killed at least 45 people. the bomber was a woman wearing a burka. and she targeted hundreds of people lined up for ration coupons at an aid center in northwest pakistan. it is the latest strike by militants against the government's control of the region on the afghanistan border. the bombing comes a day after 150 militants battled authorities in the area. >>> heightened security at christmas celebrations after recent bombings and security breaches. how this christmas is celebrated in rome and around the world. >>> it is the most we paid in years. the prices at bay area pumps and what is behind the increase. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, this holiday season, bay area drivers are paying

when the tsa objected, liu took them down. he had no idea the uproar he had created. >> this was never about being famous for me. this was about aviation security. >> the tsa is now investigating liu. >>> headlines from around the bay area. a bumpy 13-mile stretch of freeway will soon get a makeover, caltrans plans to repave the portions of i-680 between walnut creek and danville. the project will also extend the carpool lane in the southbound direction by a mile into walnut creek. the "contra costa county times" reports the nearly $50 million improvements were scheduled for last summer but the state's budget stalemate delayed the work until 2011. >>> traffic in fremont was disrupted today to accommodate bart construction. a prefabricated temporary bridge was being put into place along stevenson boulevard as part of the warm springs extension project. traffic on westbound stevenson we gardino and civic center drive was rerouted until 3p the new bridge is the first step in a process to continue digging rail tunnel under the bus

tsa launched an investigation into the pilot after the video made national headlines.he spoke with reporter george warren of our sister station kx tv in sacramento. >> by name is chris lou and i'm an airline pilot. >>reporter: this week chris lou is not just an airline pile. he's the pilot who posted this video on you tube pointing out what he believes is a serious flaw in airport security. >> i just found a disparity between about what happens upstairs and what happens downstairs. upstairs they are going through all the metal detector and the x-ray machines and downstairs they are swiping a card. >>reporter: there's really nothing in this video that an observant passenger couldn't see on their own. >> like i said i didn't think that this was going to get this much attraction. this is just kind of a little video that i did. and now that it is gone worldwide i was pretty shocked. >>reporter: the attraction largely came as a result of the tsa response to the video. when a team of 6 federal agents and sheriff's deputy showed up on lou drive wait a minute out on the same d

. >> reporter: the tsa says you can get on a plane even if your driver's license expired. but you might be subjected to a more thorough patdown or the tsa might cross-reference the information on the license with publicly available databases and ask you questions like where was the last place you lived? there are several other acceptable forms of identification such as a passport or military id card. >> that's just the way it happens these days. everything is longer and more security checks. i had to go get my social security card and, you know, proof of address and all this stuff. it's like you're adopting a child. >> reporter: if you're pulled over by police, the officer running your id through the computer system can see if you have already applied for a new license and have made the proper payments. the expiration date on your license is above your photo. in daly city, i'm simon perez, cbs 5. >>> and people weighing in on our facebook page have had some mixed experiences. michael writes, i'm still waiting for the i did. i ordered in march of 2009 -- the id i ordered in

tsa, transportation security administration unveiled a new scanning machine at midway this morning.the machines are designed to detect hidden nonmetallic weapons and explosives. >> my parents were on the egyptian airliner that was taken down the fall of 1999. don't want anyone to go through that. if anything, keep us safe, i'm for it. >> the machine provides a screener with a detailed view of the body. some travelers have complained that the machines are intrusive. and may because of the x-ray- type pictures they take be a health hazard. >> tsa has put a number of steps in place to make sure the privacy of passengers. the first step is passenger never comes in contact with the officer who sees image. that image is viewed remotely. each image has a privacy algo rhythm applied to make the passenger unidentifiable. the passenger had a 2340 access and can't get into the room and in addition the images can't be stored or printed and can't be transmitted and not network computers and can't be hacked into. >> i have no objection at all to it. >> reporter: as to health concerns, tsa officia