American Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration have announced a partnership designed to reduce passenger screening time by roughly 30 percent. The move comes after recent episodes of unusually long airport security lines that caused travelers to miss flights. Together, TSA and American Airlines will introduce faster automated screening lanes and computed tomography (CT) scanners at major hubs including Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA).
CT scanners, similar to those used in medical settings, capture X-ray images from multiple angles to reveal greater detail than conventional X-rays. In airports, this technology helps screeners better detect prohibited items concealed on a person or inside carry-ons, improving both the accuracy and speed of security checks.
“Our foremost priority is the security of the traveling public,” said Peter V. Neffenger, TSA administrator. “To ensure that we remain up-to-date in an evolving threat environment, the TSA continues to test and deploy state-of-the-art technologies. This collaboration with American Airlines is an important step in enhancing the traveler experience while maintaining effective security.”
In addition to CT scanners, the program will introduce more advanced automated baggage belts that can divert a flagged bag from the main flow for secondary inspection without interrupting the queue. Larger carry-on bins will be provided to reduce handling and delays, and many of those bins will be equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to help prevent confusion about ownership during busy periods.
“We are proud to be working collaboratively with the TSA to support next-generation screening technology at five of our hubs this fall,” said Robert Isom, chief operating officer of American Airlines. “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. On behalf of our team members who work to take care of customers every day, we appreciate the TSA’s partnership in implementing these new, innovative technologies.”
The initiative will begin as a pilot program. If the pilot proves successful, the systems could be expanded to airports across the country. One potential outcome under consideration is permitting passengers to leave liquids and laptops in their bags during screening, which would further accelerate throughput and simplify the process for travelers.