It looks like USAir cut some corners and need to pay the piper.

US Airways faces fines of nearly $180,000 for failing to put employees through background checks before letting them work in secure areas.

The Transportation Security Administration is investigating the case, and the airline said it has received formal notification that it will face the penalties.

The violations date from 2002 and 2003 at the former America West Airlines, now US Airways. The companies combined in September.

Airline spokesman Philip Gee said the airline is working with the TSA and declined to detail the number of violations or other aspects of the case, but said the airline is now in full compliance with security rules. via SouthtownThis does not make me feel very good. Security at the airlines typically is sacrificed in the name of expediency. A major airline started to screen employees entering secure areas, but quickly dropped it due to costs and time lost.