TSA May Change Security Checkpoint Procedures
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
The TSA may be about to change the way travelers go through security checkpoints. It will be the same as always for the upcoming holiday travel season: be careful about your liquids, take your shoes off and take your laptop out of its bag. But things may be changing as 2009 begins.
It has long been rumored that the TSA is going to revisit the 3-1-1 liquid rule. Most European countries have already done away with it, stating that it is now outdated because of updated scanning equipment. The same could also be true of checkpoint shoe removal. Of course, the fickle TSA could decide that these are still necessary rules that ensure the security of the airport and passengers.
But there is also a strong possibility that things could change significantly. There is already a trial program involving TSA officers who have been trained to detect potential threats by observing people’s behaviors at checkpoints. Thus far, there are more than 2,000 such officers deployed at airports around the country. These specialists have developed (and are probably still developing) a system that identifies abnormal behaviors.
There are also specialized machines that are in the testing stages. These would measure heart rate and body temperature, among other things. However, they are probably several years from widespread use, if they are ever used at all.
The TSA has stated that for the behavior detection specialists to be the most useful, the checkpoints will have to be de-stressed a bit. More lanes will be added, including ones especially for families and those traveling with children. Upgraded x-ray machines and metal detectors will mean that some of the current strict rules about carry-on luggage and liquids will most likely be changed. This will, at least according to the TSA, make security checkpoints less stressful and make those who really are nervous or aggressive stand out from ordinary travelers.