The Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) is currently trialing some innovative new self-security check protocols
at Las
Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport.
ABC News sent its transportation correspondent Gio Benitez to the bustling
airport to experience the process firsthand
and provide some insights into
the system’s functionality and potential benefits, and analyze what it might mean
for the future of U.S. air travel.
Passengers who opt to use the TSA’s prototype self-service
screening lane, equipped with
multiple sensors, will find themselves on a virtual call with a TSA agent.
As usual,
travelers must put their bags and assorted belongings into plastic bins, which
are then passed through a scanning machine. After that, they walk through an
all-glass body scanner, which is slightly different than the standard models already
seen in most airports these days.
"The scanner has all this glass here. So, we're
going to get in here. Oh, and it shows you that you have to stand
differently," Benitez said as he stepped into the scanner. "Once the
machine clears me, I get my bag and I’m on my way."
He remarked, "It's really very minimal contact
with just about anybody."
A fresh technological feature also offers an added element
of convenience for rushed or forgetful travelers: if an item like a
wallet or phone gets left behind in a security bin, the system halts the conveyor
belt and alerts the passenger to retrieve their neglected belongings.
While there may be
an adjustment period and initial slowdowns, Christina Peach, the TSA innovation
task force’s branch manager, is ready to welcome any and all feedback in order to
further refine the system.
"I'm hoping
for a lot of feedback—even the negative feedback, because you're always going
to get a little bit of both," she expressed.
Addressing
concerns about staff reduction, Peach emphasized, "we will always have
officers," noting that TSA agents, "are
the most important part of any of our systems, but we will be reallocating them
to busier aspects of the screening process."
TSA officer Ken
Nixt reassured Benitez that, although the new screening process is more
hands-off, personnel remain on hand and available to assist travelers. He said,
"we're just making sure that we're
following through all the security measures that are needed to ensure a safe
travels."
At present, the new self-screening
option is only in its testing phase and is operating exclusively in the Las
Vegas airport. Travelers passing through Harry Reid International Airport can now experience the new lane and
contribute to TSA's development of future airport security protocols.
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