Computers, not humans to scan carry-on bags in TSA test

American Airlines’ hubs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami will open the automated lanes.

The line automatically draws luggage into the X-ray machine and returns the empty bins back to the front of the line.

The 3D CT technology can allow travellers to carry liquids, gels and aerosols, as well as laptops in their hand baggage at all times, thereby facilitating a faster throughput and less bin use.

“Our foremost priority is the security of the traveling public”, TSA Administrator Peter V. Neffenger said.

The bins you put your carry-on bags in will be 25 percent larger.

While some might argue the further expansion of TSA is the answer to reducing security wait times, a better policy solution would be for airports to hire approved, well-trained private security companies instead. It noted that average wait periods at John F. Kennedy Airport from March 15 to April 15 surged by 82 percent compared to just one year ago.

Through the joint initiative, the TSA will install new automated screening lanes at select American Airline hubs this fall, including LAX.

“Think of the time – and bins! – that saves”, American’s Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom said in a letter to employees on Tuesday, shared with Reuters, noting that the airline is spending almost $5 million on the new lanes.

CT technology, now only used at US airports to screen checked bags, is expected to significantly improve the throughput when added to the screening process in Phoenix. On top of that, both the airline and TSA plan to deploy CT Technology in a pilot program launching at the end of the year in Phoenix.

“Longer term, we are working with airlines to invest in “innovation lanes” and other technology to expedite the screening of carry-on luggage”, said Johnson.

In May, Delta installed new security lanes in the Atlanta Airport that allow more people to load containers onto conveyor belts at a time; in June, the House of Representatives passed a bill outlining requirements for The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make its security screening process more efficient.

“Choke points, delays, long lines — that’s really not a good travel experience”, said Kenneth Gwyn, former director of aviation for the city of Dallas.

During the operational crisis, the TSA also began moving some travelers into PreCheck lanes by increasing the use of canine teams at major airports and by assigning some passengers to that lane using a “risk factor calculation” of intelligence, itinerary, and biographic information.