Pulling the Curtain

By SALLY B. DONNELLY

That annoying curtain separating first class from coach on most airplane flights may be facing its own final curtain. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees aviation security, has told the airlines that it wants the barrier removed permanently, to allow cabin crews and federal air marshals (FAMs) to see the entire cabin. Some airlines are not thrilled with the move, which could happen by the end of the month. Much of their profit comes from passengers paying high first-class fares, and the companies are afraid of doing anything to alienate those premium flyers. "Privacy is a huge issue for travelers in the front of the plane," says Matthew Bennett, publisher of FirstClassFlyer.com "And in this economy, airlines want to do everything they can to make their best customers happy."

If they are required to drop the curtain, the airlines are making a request of their own: that the FAMs be seated through the entire plane rather than in valuable first-class seats, where they often sit now. Industry sources say the TSA will have a difficult time persuading the marshals, many of whom are already bored and exhausted by the job, to agree. TSA spokesman Brian Turmail says assertions that morale is poor among the FAMs are "absolutely wrong." He says the TSA "is intent on providing the highest level of security." --By Sally B. Donnelly