Automated screening lanes come to San Francisco airport

The Transportation Security Administration recently unveil new Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs) at San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) Terminal 3.

ASLs moves passengers faster and more efficiently through security checkpoints. The technology does this in several ways. United Airlines purchased the new ASLs at SFO.

The time passengers stand in line is reduced. Countertops are large enough that several passengers can place items in bins simultaneously.

The bins are 25 percent larger, and Radio Frequency Identification tags in the bins make it easier to track a passenger’s items throughout the security process.

Conveyor belts pull bins into the X-ray machines, and photographic images of the contents are shown beside the X-ray image.

“We are proud to be among the first U.S. airports to offer the latest advancements in passenger screening technology,” Airport Director Ivar C. Satero said. “Our goal is to revolutionize the travel experience, with facilities designed to make travel easier and more enjoyable. With the introduction of Automated Screening Lanes at SFO, we take that commitment to a new level. We are grateful for our partnership with the TSA and United Airlines to make this possible.”

More than 160 ASLs have been installed in TSA security checkpoints at 16 airports nationwide.