TSA, United Airlines release plans for new security screening technology

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), along with United Airlines, released plans on Wednesday to install automated security screening lanes at select United Airlines hubs this fall.

The automated lanes will incorporate technology that enhances overall effectiveness, while also speeding up the screening process by approximately 30 percent.

The TSA and United Airlines anticipate the deployment of 17 automated lanes to Newark International Airport this fall. Lanes at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport are expected later in the year.

“Our main priority is to protect the traveling public in an evolving threat environment,” Peter Neffenger, administrator at the TSA, said. “We continue to test and deploy state-of-the-art technologies to ensure that we remain current. Collaborating with United Airlines is another important step in enhancing the traveler experience while always maintaining effective security.”

Some of the unique features of the automated lanes include automated belts that draw bags into x-ray machines, returning to the bins back to the queue after completion of screening; directing suspicious luggage into a separate area without slowing down bag traffic; the addition of larger bins; the use of unique radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that are attached to each bin to allow for additional accountability of items as they transit throughout the system; and the addition of camera that capture photos of each bag and links that image to the x-rayed image of the bag’s insides.

“Our responsibility remains keeping passengers safe but also moving through security,” Neffenger said.