Terminology
TSA Security Areas
Airport security has its own terminology defined by 49 CFR. A description of a few key terms is useful in understanding airport security (See Image).
Air Operations Area (AOA). A portion of an airport in which security measures specified in 49 CFR 1542 are carried out. This area includes aircraft movement areas, aircraft parking areas, loading ramps, and safety areas, for use by aircraft regulated under 49 CFR 1544 or 49 CFR 1546, and any adjacent areas (such as general aviation areas) that are not separated by adequate security systems, measures, or procedures. This area does not include the secured area. The AOA is basically the area used for aircraft operation. The airport operator is required to control access to the AOA and movements within the AOA. How to do this is up to the airport operator, thus different airports may have different access control procedures.
Security Identification Display Area (SIDA). A portion of an airport, specified in the airport security program, in which security measures specified in 49 CFR 1542 are carried out. This area includes the secured area and may include other areas of the airport. A SIDA may be inside the AOA. Generally, badges or identification media are required inside a SIDA.
Secured Area. A portion of an airport subject to security measures in 49 CFR 1542 where aircraft operators and foreign air carriers, that have a security program under 49 CFR 1544 or 1546, enplane, deplane passengers and sort and load baggage, and any adjacent areas that are not separated by adequate security measures. This does not include the AOA.
Exclusive Area. An Exclusive Area is any portion of a secured area, AOA, or SIDA, including individual access points, for which an aircraft operator or foreign air carrier that as a security program under 49 CFR 1544 or 49 CFR 1546 has assumed responsibility under 49 CFR 1542.111. Basically, an exclusive area is one that requires security but the security is managed by an aircraft operator rather than the Transportation Security Authority (TSA).
Sterile Area. A portion of an airport that provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which access generally is controlled by TSA, or by an aircraft operator under 49 CFR 1544 or a foreign air carrier under 49 CFR 1546, through the screening of persons and property. Basically, a sterile area is the area in the terminal once you have passed through security screening.
