The Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration will begin trials of a prototype self-service airport screening station in Las Vegas starting mid-March 2024.
Flyers traveling through Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) will soon get the chance to try out new technology that could change the security screening process.
The Transportation Security Administration announced they work with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to open a prototype self-service screening system at the airport’s TSA Innovation Checkpoint.
New Screening Could Improve Screening, Reduce Need for Secondary Screening
The self-service screening station was developed by Homeland Security and the TSA at the administration’s systems Integration facility in Arlington, Virginia. After extensive trials in a controlled setting, the new system will be tested on the flying public starting in mid-March.
When travelers approach the new checkpoint, video screens installed will guide them through the appropriate steps. Because the system is automated, travelers will be allowed to move at a pace they are comfortable with. If there is an on-person alarm, flyers will be given information about what came up and how to resolve the incident themselves.
At the checkpoint, the role of transportation security officers is to supervise users to ensure they are following appropriate security protocols. Although secondary screening and patdowns may still happen, the goal is to create a completely self-sufficient screening experience.
After clearing, TSA agents will collect information from flyers on system performance, design, and other factors to improve the experience. The feedback from live trials will ultimately inform future improvements.
“We are constantly looking at innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience, while also improving security,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. “This self-service prototype allows our trusted travelers to complete the screening process at their own pace. Testing at the Innovation Checkpoint in Las Vegas gives us an opportunity to collect valuable user data and insights, and explore opportunities to apply parts of the prototype to other airport security checkpoints.”
While Las Vegas will get the first self-service screening lane, it isn’t the only one currently in the works. The TSA says they will also test other prototypes in development in the laboratory before determining if they could be ready for future public trials.
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