Four new automated security screening lanes have been installed at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and DFW Airport have installed the new technology at Terminals A and D at checkpoints A21 and D22.
Installation of the lanes began in August and construction was completed within the past two weeks. Ultimately, DFW plans to install 10 automated screening lanes at various checkpoints. According to a news release, the systems will enhance security effectiveness and move customers through the screening process more efficiently.
The lanes will allow up to five customers at a time to place their items into bins and send them through the screening process. Items that require secondary screening will be diverted for additional checks, but will not slow the lanes.
“As we see customer demand increasing, it’s critical that we apply new technologies and innovative solutions to improve our security process,” said Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President of Revenue Management at DFW Airport, in a statement.
“We will continue to install additional automated security lanes that enhance the customer experience and make it faster and more convenient to move through the security checkpoint,” Buchanan said.
The automated screening lanes offer several new features designed to improve the screening process for travelers going through the security checkpoint including:
· Stainless steel countertops which enable several passengers to simultaneously place their items in bins
· Automated conveyor belts that return the bins to the front of the security checkpoint for easy customer access
· Automatic diversion of any bag that may contain a prohibited item, which allows the customer line to keep moving uninterrupted
· Bins that are 25 percent larger than previous bins and capable of holding a roll-aboard bag
· Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags attached to each bin, matching travelers to their property as they move throughout the security screening process
· Cameras that capture images of the contents of each bin and are linked to the X-ray image of a carry-on bag’s contents, for enhanced security
“TSA is constantly looking for ways to enhance security by working with our partners in the aviation community to deploy new technologies and processes,” said Steve Karoly, TSA Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Requirements and Capabilities Analysis, in the release.
“We are grateful to our partners here at DFW Airport, who have committed to funding 10 total automated screening lanes by the end of the year,” Karoly said. “These state-of-the-art automated screening lanes make the screening process more effective and efficient while improving the overall passenger experience.”