The three other airports scheduled to receive the new automated screening lanes are Chicago O’Hare International, Dallas/Fort Worth International and Los Angeles International.
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In May, American Airlines announced it was hiring outside screening help for its major hubs, including Phoenix, to ease some of the long lines. This would result in quicker lines and less bin use. The ultimate goal – if the pilot programs are successful – is to expand CT scanners to additional checkpoints and add automated security lanes at all US airports.
The checkpoint lines are shorter, but American Airlines and the TSA are trying to shave down that wait time even more.
The long-term goal is to use the new systems at all airports in the United States. The technology can recognize suspicious or unknown items and flag them to security workers – a process that the two airports estimate has cut wait times in half. Meanwhile, airlines have been clamoring for the restoration of what they say are billions of dollars Congress took from the TSA to reduce the federal deficit.
CT technology is now used at airports to screen checked bags. The automated lanes incorporate technology and screening station modifications that enhance security effectiveness while decreasing the time travelers spend in security screening by approximately 30 percent.
“We are proud to be working collaboratively with the TSA to support next-generation screening technology at five of our hubs this fall”, American Airlines COO Robert Isom said.
US lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives have reached a bipartisan deal to upgrade USA airport security in the aftermath of attacks in Brussels and Istanbul, an influential Republican senator said on Wednesday.
The TSA often shares the cost of equipment for handling checked baggage with airlines because the equipment benefits both parties: the automated conveyor belt systems screen bags and transport them from the check-in counter to the aircraft, McCarthy said.
“Oh, it’s really slow and tedious”, said traveler Mike Gerke.
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“Our responsibility is to keep passengers safe but also moving through security”, Neffenger added.
