TSA Tests New Self-Screening Lanes in Las Vegas

Federal airport security officials have introduced TSA passenger self-screening lanes at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, aiming to enhance efficiency and test for potential nationwide use.

Dimitri Kusnezov, a system designer from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements to improve airport security. “The number of airline passengers continues to increase year-over-year, creating a need for innovative screening solutions that enhance transportation security and make traveling more efficient,” he said. “At S&T, we are pushing the envelope with new technologies and concepts toward designing the airport of the future. Self-paced screening is one step toward building that future.”

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint in Las Vegas, initially available only to TSA PreCheck customers, features instructions for travelers to navigate screening independently, reducing reliance on TSA officers.

Instead of traditional screening methods, the futuristic system resembles a scaled-down medical MRI machine, utilizing automated tray returns and UV light sanitation. Passengers undergo body scanning in separate glass booths, utilizing millimeter wave technology, ensuring thorough screening without the need for direct interaction with officers.

Christina Peach, a TSA administrator, highlighted the system’s aim to provide a stress-free screening experience. “Really, one of the main aims here is to allow individuals to get through the system without necessarily having to interact directly with an officer and … at their own pace,” she explained.

Nationally, TSA PreCheck enrollees typically clear screening in under 10 minutes, compared to around 30 minutes for regular travelers. The new system requires fewer TSA officers, freeing up resources for broader security tasks without jeopardizing job security.

Testing and evaluations of the prototype will be conducted throughout the year, gauging efficiency and passenger experience. The innovation checkpoint at Harry Reid International Airport, established in 2019, serves as the testing ground for this pioneering initiative.

Keith Jeffries, a former TSA director, likened the new lanes to self-checkout lanes in supermarkets, anticipating a gradual acceptance among travelers seeking expedited screening processes.

With Las Vegas airport experiencing record passenger numbers, the introduction of self-screening lanes aims to streamline security operations amid growing demand. The initiative reflects TSA’s commitment to modernize airport security while prioritizing passenger convenience and safety.