Who has the final say in denying boarding for any persons, including armed LEOs?

Who has the final say in denying boarding for any persons, including armed LEOs?

• A. Aircraft operator
• B. Ground Security Coordinator
• C. FAA Administrator
• D. Airport Security Commander

Answer: (A)

Authority to deny boarding rests with the aircraft operator. They own and operate the flight and bear the ultimate responsibility for safety and security on board and during boarding. That means they make the final call on who may or may not be transported, including any armed law enforcement officers, based on risk, policy, and security considerations. The Ground Security Coordinator handles airport security coordination under TSA guidance, but cannot overrule the operator’s boarding decision. The FAA Administrator sets national rules and oversight, not individual flight decisions. The Airport Security Commander focuses on airport security operations, not the final boarding authorization for a specific flight.

Authority to deny boarding rests with the aircraft operator. They own and operate the flight and bear the ultimate responsibility for safety and security on board and during boarding. That means they make the final call on who may or may not be transported, including any armed law enforcement officers, based on risk, policy, and security considerations.

The Ground Security Coordinator handles airport security coordination under TSA guidance, but cannot overrule the operator’s boarding decision. The FAA Administrator sets national rules and oversight, not individual flight decisions. The Airport Security Commander focuses on airport security operations, not the final boarding authorization for a specific flight.