New checkpoint technology at Indianapolis International Airport helps TSA officers detect threats, protect passengers
Indiana is the first state to have the machines at every lane, in every airport.
NEWS RELEASE FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION:
INDIANAPOLIS — State-of-the-art advanced technology Computed Tomography (CT) checkpoint scanners that provide 3-D imaging have been installed in all 14 Transportation Security Administration screening lanes at Indianapolis International Airport (IND).
“Along with providing critical explosives detection capabilities, this new technology improves the ability for our TSA officers to determine whether an item inside a carry-on bag is a possible threat,” Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Aaron Batt said.
TSA is continuing to deploy this improved technology at airports nationwide this summer. Indiana is the first state to have the machines at every lane, in every airport.
This equipment is similar to what is used to scan checked baggage for explosive devices. It has been “sized” to fit at checkpoints to create such a clear image of a bag’s contents that the system can automatically detect explosives, including liquids. An X-ray camera spinning around the conveyor belt shoots hundreds of images to provide TSA officers with the three-dimensional views of the contents of a carry-on bag. Checkpoint CT technology should result in fewer bag checks. Passengers using this machine can leave 3-1-1 compliant liquids, laptops, and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags.
As summer travel continues to ramp up, TSA is also reminding passengers to arrive early and follow these steps to get through the checkpoint quickly and efficiently.
Prepare when you approach the checkpoint. Passengers should have an ID ready when they approach the TSA officer, but after the ID has been verified, they should put it back in their wallet or carry-on bag. Passengers should empty their pockets, and loose items such as change, phones, and ear buds should be secured in a carry-on bag.
Everything goes in a bin, but don’t unpack. All bags must be placed in a bin. Bags that exceed the standard carry-on size will need to be checked. However, 3-1-1 liquids and electronics no longer need to be removed from carry-on bags. Passengers should listen to the instructions of TSA officers as they move through the screening process.
Pack smart; start with empty bags. Airline passengers who pack for travel with empty bags are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Technology and modifications help reduce the need for physical contact with TSA officers, but those who take time to come prepared for the TSA checkpoint are far more likely to avoid delay and physical contact. Check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.
Know before you go. Airports, like highways, have high traffic surges and construction delays. Plan to arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate.
Contact TSA for help if there are questions or concerns. Those who are preparing to travel and may have special circumstances, considerations or general questions about airport screening can get live assistance by tweeting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
TSA also offers TSA Cares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances. You may submit a request for assistance by calling TSA Cares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Passengers may also use the TSA Cares form available on the TSA website which can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support.
Enroll now in TSA PreCheck® to “Travel with Ease.” By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, airline passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Most new enrollees receive their known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.