LAS VEGAS — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced the country’s first self-service screening system at Harry Reid International Airport. This pilot program, set to begin on Monday, aims to modernize checkpoints and provide travelers with more autonomy.
During a recent demonstration at the Las Vegas airport, TSA officials likened the new system to self-checkout lanes at supermarkets. Instead of TSA officers guiding passengers through the screening process, travelers will now have the ability to scan their own bags and themselves. This allows individuals to set their own pace and minimize interaction with TSA employees.
However, despite the introduction of self-service screening, TSA staff members will still be responsible for checking IDs, performing secondary screenings of bags, and conducting pat-downs on passengers suspected of carrying banned items.
The primary objective of this new system is not to expedite screenings but rather to enhance the overall passenger experience. John Fortune, the Department of Homeland Security’s Screening at Speed program manager, emphasized that the aim is to reduce the burden on officers at checkpoints and create a more pleasant and passenger-friendly environment.
The self-service screening system, developed over a two-year period, consists of two lanes located at the Innovation Checkpoint in Terminal 3. This real-life lab serves as a testing ground for new security technology. The new procedure will be available for regular PreCheck passengers between 5:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. The TSA may also invite passengers at other checkpoints to participate in the program. It is important to note that children under the age of 12 and travelers requiring special assistance will still need to use the standard lanes.
While the new system incorporates familiar components such as CT scanners, travelers will need to familiarize themselves with a few new steps and adjust their habits from other airport checkpoints. Many passengers have not experienced this kind of self-service checkpoint before. Fortune acknowledged that challenges are expected as the TSA collects data and feedback during the testing phase, identifying areas that require improvement.
The self-service security system in Las Vegas is part of a growing trend of contactless technology at airports. Although it is currently a prototype, it may expand to other airports in the future, following the path of other innovations such as Credential Authentication Technology and facial recognition technology. These advancements have already been implemented at numerous airports across the United States.
Biometric systems, such as facial recognition programs, are becoming increasingly prevalent in airport security. Delta Air Lines, for example, has implemented a facial recognition program called Delta Digital ID at several airports, allowing eligible members of their loyalty program to bypass documents and simply use facial recognition for bag drop and security checks.
United Airlines recently introduced “touchless” identity verification at airport checkpoints in Chicago and Los Angeles for PreCheck members, while American Airlines offers a similar service at Reagan Washington National Airport. These developments indicate a growing shift toward the use of biometrics in travel security.
Looking ahead, there are numerous potential future trends related