Airports Readying for “The Checkpoint of the Future”

Since September 11, 2001, efficiency at airport checkpoints has fallen. Through a survey of processing times at 142 airports in November, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found that 149 people clear airport security every hour, as opposed to 350 people per hour prior to that date, reports an article from USA Today. With the number of flyers in the United States expected to reach an estimated 1.2 billion in the next 20 years, the industry is looking for ways to make the process from parking lot to tarmac a faster one.

To speed up the security process, there are a number of technological advancements and changes in screening tactics that could make the Checkpoint of the Future a reality within the next 10 years. Some of these advancements would include scanning fingerprints or irises rather than presenting identification documents and boarding passes. Furthermore, the article pictures a scenario where “Passengers would walk with their carry-ons through a screening tunnel, where they'd undergo electronic scrutiny.” This would eliminate the need to take off shoes and belts, and passengers would be allowed to keep liquids and electronic devices in their carry-on bags as they’re scanned, which will save time. There would still be pat-downs for passengers that appear suspicious. The global director of security for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Kevin Dunlap, said, “This isn't really science fiction that we're talking about.”

Still, improvements are not solely dependent on more sophisticated machines. "It's not a single piece of technology, a single system," said John Halinski. Halinski is the assistant administrator for global strategies for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)."There is no silver bullet," he said.

Another factor in faster security processes is how much information passengers are willing to share about themselves. Currently there are programs in existence that offer passengers an easier experience at airport security if they voluntarily tell the government information about their flying habits. For example, the PreCheck program, which one million people have participated in since it started testing in October 2011, asked people to identify themselves as frequent fliers at specific airlines. Those who did got through security faster. TSA plans to expand the program to 35 airports this year. Moreover, the CLEAR program for expedited screening has been used in Denver, Orlando and San Francisco since November 2010. By choosing to answer TSA questions and provide the agency with either a fingerprint or iris scan, members are able to quickly pass ID kiosks with a special card that costs $179 per year.

In addition to being potentially confusing, there are other downsides to these new security measures. It might not be cost effective for people who don’t fly frequently. Also, since the machines take up the space of a three-car garage, airports will need to undergo construction.