An Economic Study of the US Post-9/11 Aviation Security

Abstract

The Aviation Security world changed drastically following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. In this paper we look at 1) the changes that occurred to the aviation security sector and 2) how the United States aviation security compares to other parts of the world. Currently the United States has the most expensive aviation security infrastructure in the world. The main motivation of this topic was to find out why the United States was spending so much and assessing whether its aviation security sector was economically efficient. In this paper the authors provide the history of aviation security and the changes that took place post 9/11. A cost breakdown is presented and whether the amount of money being spent is worth the benefits received is discussed. This study also compares the United States’ aviation security to that of Europe and Canada. These comparisons analyze how the total expenditure for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is similar/dissimilar to the aviation security expenditures in Europe and Canada. Recommendations for future budgets and tax revenues are also made. Overall, it is concluded that the amount of TSA’s spending on aviation security is justified.