The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and American Airlines will jointly be installing new automated screening processes in selected airports in the US this fall.
This will include automated screening lanes and computed tomography (CT) scanners. The new lanes aim to reduce waiting times by 30 per cent whilst improving the effectiveness of the security process.
The lanes offer several features to set them apart from the current manual checks at screening checkpoints in the US. One of these features is that they use automated belts, which pull the bags through the X-ray scanner. In addition, they have cameras, which capture images of the items before they go through the scanner and these images are linked to the X-ray scan.
The property bins are 25 per cent larger than the current bins in screening lanes. Scanned bags that are flagged as a potential threat can be directed to a different area so the people and bags behind are not slowed down. Also, unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags will be added to the bins for further accountability of the items as they move through the system. TSA and American Airlines plan to introduce these lanes in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Miami airports.
3D CT Technology
The current CT technology used in US airports to screen checked bags is also expected to bring about improvements. 3D CT technology could mean that passengers can leave liquids, aerosols and gels, as well as laptops, in their bags. The Transportation Security Administration and American Airlines initially plan to implement the CT technology into the TSA screening checkpoint in Phoenix.
TSA Administrator, Peter Neffenger, said: “Our foremost priority is the security of the traveling public. To ensure that we remain up-to-date in an evolving threat environment, TSA continues to test and deploy state-of-the-art technologies. This collaboration with American Airlines is an important step in enhancing the traveller experience while maintaining effective security.”
American Airlines Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom said: “We are proud to be working collaboratively with the TSA to support next generation screening technology at five of our hubs this fall. These state-of-the-art lanes, along with new detection technology that will be tested in Phoenix, will enhance security effectiveness and efficiency, while improving the customer experience.”
