The TSA Wants To Make Traveling to Las Vegas Easier

Article by : Erik Gibbs Dec 12, 2023

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is introducing a self-service alternative to screen for security purposes, it is also attempting to address the challenge posed by the resurgence of air travel to pre-pandemic levels for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Scheduled for a nationwide rollout in January, the Screening at Speed Program, developed by the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), will initiate its introduction at Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas.

This forthcoming evolution in the airport security process is anticipated to bring about a favorable change for both passengers and Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), according to Christina Peach, the branch manager for the TSA’s Innovation Task Force, as stated in a DHS press release.

It is important to highlight that initially, the chance to experience this program will be extended exclusively to members of the TSA’s Trusted Traveler Program, including TSA PreCheck.

The latest technology is set to grant Trusted Traveler passengers the flexibility to navigate TSA screening “at their own pace,” all while reducing face-to-face interactions between officers and travelers, as outlined in the official press release.

In alignment with the current TSA protocol, passengers will position their bags on a conveyor belt. Notably, a video monitor will guide them with detailed instructions, complemented by a help button linking directly to a live security agent.

Subsequently, passengers will proceed through a screening portal featuring automatic entry and exit doors. Notably, these doors will remain closed until the completion of the screening process for the respective passenger.

As highlighted in the DHS press release, program manager John Fortune drew a parallel, likening the upcoming experience to “self-ordering kiosks at fast food and sit-down restaurants.”

During 2021, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) issued four contracts to three different companies.

Notably, Las Vegas visitors are poised to be the initial test subjects for the PAX MX2 prototype, crafted by Vanderlande Industries Inc. based in Marietta, GA, as outlined in the press release.

The release highlights the technology’s capacity to decrease the necessity for certain revisions. These include pat-downs and bag inspections conducted by TSA officers.

Yet, there is a potential outcome of automation that could result in a downsizing of TSA staff, requiring the remaining officers to manage an unchanged or increased workload.