Digital Technology Speeds Up TSA Security Lines

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed ‘it is ready for the continued surge in travelers across the country.’

According to the TSA’s data, on April 18, 2021, over 1.5 million airline passengers were screened. This news indicates the USA travel industry had recovered from 2020 when only 105,382 passengers were screened on the corresponding day.

However, when contrasted to 2019’s activity of about 2.3 million screened travelers, the travel industry’s volume is well below maximin consumer demand.

But as people prepare to fly after what could be a year, the TSA offers various tips for navigating the airport checkpoint. The first is to leave guns at home or declare it to the airline and place it in a locked, hard-sided case in your checked baggage.

Last week a 38-year-old man brought a loaded Ruger to the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) checkpoint and now faces a fine from the TSA that could exceed $13,000.

“The health and safety of our workforce and the traveling public remain our critical mission,” stated Arden Hudson, Federal Security Director with the TSA for the State of Louisiana, in a media statement.

“In addition to new technology, the TSA has installed acrylic barriers to separate passengers and TSA officers at strategic locations in the checkpoint at BTR.”

The TSA and Baton Rouge airport leadership previously announced the latest checkpoint technology, known as CT 300s, and added additional equipment to reduce touchpoints – CATs or credential authentication technology. 

The CTs or computed tomography equipment uses complex algorithms to search for threats, allows TSA officers to rotate the images, reduces the need to open bags, and reduces touchpoints. 

Passengers screened in the security lanes with this new equipment do not need to remove their 3-1-1 bag or their electronics.

Baton Rouge has also received the latest credential authentication technology, which also allows for fewer touchpoints. 

Passengers are separated from TSA officers by acrylic barriers and then only need to pass them their ID or passport. Boarding passes are not required at the checkpoint.  The equipment verifies passengers’ identities and confirms that they are flying that day.

“We appreciate that TSA has provided BTR with the latest technology and safety measures for our community,” said Mike Edwards, Director of Aviation at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.

Face masks for both employees and passengers are required throughout all domestic transportation modes, including airport security screening checkpoints and throughout the airport. 

Since implementing the federal face mask mandate for travelers on Feb 2, 2021, masks are required regardless of any local or state easing of restrictions. Those who refuse to wear masks are subject to fines from the TSA and the Federal Aviation Authority if the infraction occurs while flying.

Additionally, ‘Travel with Ease TSA PreCheck program members avoid removing shoes, belts, laptops, and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.   

The U.S. TSA is committed to supporting a healthy and secure environment for our employees, airport personnel, and airline passengers. For additional information about TSA procedures during COVID-19 as part of our “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure” campaign, visit tsa.gov/coronavirus.

Vax-Before-Travel publishes research-based travel news.