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FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING in the

Travel IndustryBY MARILYN ARDIS Just Ask Prevention Foundation Staff Writer

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online training resources for those who are interested.

Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) is dedicated to eliminating human trafficking. It has developed several training opportunities for airline and airport workers to help them spot and report suspected cases of human trafficking. AAI also provides additional resources such as fact sheets that remind travel industry employees what to do when they suspect they are witnessing a case of human trafficking. Register for the training program and find additional resources at airlineamb.org.

Representing 82 percent of total air traffic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines, helps to develop industry policies related to urgent aviation issues. IATA provides free human trafficking training and several additional resources on its website, www.iata.org.

According to AAI, several red flags exist that could indicate a person is being trafficked. For example, they may not be dressed appropriately for travel or appear scared or expressionless. They may be unwilling or unable to talk about themselves without guidance from another person, or their responses could sound coached or rehearsed. They may not be aware of details related to their flight, including their final destination, or be in possession of their travel documents. It is possible they will not have any personal

items with them. A victim may appear to have a voracious appetite or seem to be under the influence of drugs. Keep an eye out for any marks or bruises that could be the result of physical abuse. Pay close attention to children who seem to be accompanied by an adult who is not related to them.

It’s important to remain aware of the passengers traveling through your airport or on your airline. If something feels wrong, ask questions, and, if necessary, be prepared to act. As reported by many news outlets in February 2018, American Airlines ticket agent Denice Miracle prevented two teenage girls from potentially falling into a sexual exploitation scam. The girls had been given one-way first class tickets from Sacramento to New York City. The teens were under the impression that they were going to spend a weekend performing in music videos and modeling. They were not aware that their tickets were one-way. Miracle noticed that the girls not only were young (ages 15 and 17), but also seemed to be traveling alone. She began asking questions, but the teens could not provide answers without texting someone for help. Miracle also noticed that the credit card used to pay for the tickets was flagged for potential credit card fraud. She told the girls that there was an issue with their tickets and asked them to wait. She then contacted the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Airport Bureau. Because of Miracle’s quick thinking, these two young women

Human trafficking is a growing crime that touches every society, community and industry. The United Nations defines human trafficking as “the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud, or deception, with the aim of exploiting them.” In other words, human trafficking is modern-day slavery.

According to the International Labor Organization, an estimated 27 million people currently are being held as modern-day slaves, netting approximately $150 billion in profits each year for traffickers. Human trafficking is a global problem, with each involved country acting as a point of origin, transit or destination. Women, children and men are all vulnerable to being coerced into sexual exploitation or forced labor, the two major classifications of trafficking. It happens all around us, and the travel industry is in a unique position of being at the crossroads of many victims’ journeys. Therefore, it is critical for all workers in travel-related fields to understand how to spot and prevent trafficking situations.

The first step in combating human trafficking is learning to spot warning signs, and travel industry employees should participate in training seminars that are tailored to them. Airport, airline and security personnel who have completed human trafficking awareness training are a vital first line of defense in the effort to prevent this crime. There are multiple organizations that have

According to the International Labor Organization, an estimated 27 million

people are currently being held as modern-day slaves, netting approximately $150

billion in profits each year for traffickers.

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avoided falling into a potentially dangerous situation and were returned home safely.

If it seems that a case of human trafficking is occurring on a flight, flight attendants should alert the captain, who can contact law enforcement. Airport and airline staff should never put themselves in danger, but rather make sure the proper authorities are alerted to investigate and handle the incident. AAI has developed an app to help travel industry employees report suspected human trafficking incidents. This app, Tip Line, can be downloaded for free from Google or iTunes, and ensures that the person reporting the human trafficking incident provides vital, time-sensitive information directly to law enforcement.

Within the U.S., DHS has launched the Blue Campaign, whose two foundational elements are the prevention of human trafficking and the protection of exploited persons. This public awareness program provides education about the potential indicators of human trafficking. DHS provides an anonymous tip line where observations and suspicions safely can be reported. DHS reiterates that airline staff should not confront a suspected trafficker or victim with their suspicions to

keep themselves and the potential victim safe. Suspicious criminal activity can be reported 24/7 to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement tip line at 866-347-2423. Outside the U.S., the tip line can be reached by calling 802-872-6199.

In addition, DHS provides a National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), which is available 24/7 within the U.S. at 888-373-7888. Alternatively, reports can be made by texting HELP or INFO to BeFree at 233733. The NHTH can connect victims to service providers in their area and provides training, tech support, and other resources to users.

Although the human trafficking crisis is garnering a lot of attention, there is still a long way to go to eradicate trafficking. Currently, there is little to no consistent mandatory, industry-wide training. Training programs and requirements often vary by carrier and jurisdiction. If there is no training being administered by your airport or airline, work with your organization’s leaders to ensure that proper training initiatives are provided.

In addition to educating airport and airline workers, passengers should be made aware of the signs that could indicate a fellow traveler is being trafficked. Seek out education related to the signs associated with human trafficking, and consider supporting legislation that will require standard training throughout the travel industry.

As the saying goes, “knowledge is power.” The reality of human trafficking is so overwhelming that many people shy away from it, but the best way to defeat this evil is to shine a bright light on it.

Just Ask Prevention may be reached at https://justaskprevention.org/.

AAAE Creates Training For Airports On Human Trafficking

More than 1.5 million people work at airports throughout the U.S. and up to 70 percent of human trafficking victims will pass through an airport at some point during their exploitation.

AAAE collaborated with Bill Woolf, winner of the 2018 Presidential Medal for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons and founder of Just Ask Prevention and the National Human Trafficking Intelligence Center, to create relevant and relatable training content for aviation workers. AAAE offers this training curriculum to more than 250 14 CFR Part 139-certified airports across the U.S.

Through awareness and action, airport workers can help save a victim’s life.

For more information on AAAE training programs, go to

aaae.org/training

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