Airports' Pre-2001 Luggage Scanning: What Was The Protocol?

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, marked a turning point in airport security. Before then, security checks were basic, with little federal oversight, and passengers could walk through metal detectors without removing their shoes, belts, or jackets. Luggage was x-rayed, but only 5% of the time. After 9/11, new regulations were swiftly introduced, including 100% baggage screening, reinforced cockpit doors, and restrictions on sharp objects and liquids. Full-body scanners were introduced, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to oversee security across all modes of transportation.

Luggage scanning before 2001

Luggage scanning has evolved significantly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which exposed flaws in airport security and prompted a tightening of security measures worldwide. Before 2001, luggage scanning was less advanced and extensive than it is today. Here is an overview of the state of luggage scanning before the 9/11 attacks.

The Early Days of Luggage Scanning

The use of luggage scanning technology in airports became more common in the 1960s, during the economic boom that followed World War II. This decade saw the rise of commercial airlines and leisure travel, making air travel more accessible to the general public. However, security checks during this period were often conducted manually, with airport staff physically inspecting passengers and their bags.

In response to a growing number of skyjacking attempts in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the first X-ray scanning machines for baggage were introduced in the 1970s. These machines allowed for a more thorough inspection of luggage, as they could detect metal objects and create images of the contents of bags. This marked a significant shift towards technology-assisted security checks.

The Role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) played a crucial role in the development of luggage scanning procedures. In the 1970s, the FAA created a hijacker psychological profile to be used alongside metal detectors during passenger screening. Additionally, they mandated the use of metal-detection portals for passengers and X-ray inspection systems for carry-on bags.

Improvements in the 1980s and 1990s

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, there was a continued focus on enhancing luggage scanning technology. The FAA established the Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, utilising trained dogs to detect explosives. Additionally, U.S. carriers at European and Middle Eastern airports started requiring X-rays or searches of all checked baggage, matching passengers to their baggage.

Pre-9/11 Security Measures

In the years leading up to 2001, airport security measures were still less stringent compared to the post-9/11 era. Passengers could arrive at the airport just minutes before their flight, keeping their shoes and coats on as they walked through simple metal detectors. There was no requirement to remove electronic devices or liquids from carry-on bags. Private contractors, usually hired by airlines, conducted security checks with minimal federal involvement.

While luggage scanning technology had been introduced in airports before 2001, the events of 9/11 served as a catalyst for significant advancements and stricter security protocols. The pre-9/11 era was characterised by more relaxed security measures, less advanced technology, and a lack of standardised, federal oversight. The tragic events of 9/11 highlighted the vulnerabilities in the existing system, leading to a comprehensive overhaul of airport security, including more sophisticated luggage scanning procedures and increased regulation.

Manual checks before 2001

Before 2001, airport security checks were a relatively benign and routine exercise. Only 5% of checked bags were screened, and this was done by private companies hired by the airlines. Those passing through the security checkpoint did not need to remove their shoes, belts, or outerwear, nor did they need to take items out of their carry-on luggage. Liquids, gels, and aerosols were allowed in any quantity, and only items that set off the metal detector would require additional screening.

The security checkpoint was accessible to anyone, whether they were flying or not. This all changed on September 11, 2001, when 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial flights, crashing two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon, and one into a field in Pennsylvania. This deadly attack, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, brought intense scrutiny on airport security.

In the aftermath, measures were swiftly implemented to prevent similar attacks. Only ticketed passengers were allowed past the security checkpoint, sharp items were banned from carry-on bags, and vehicles could only pull up curbside for active loading and unloading. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act was passed on November 19, 2001, establishing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating 100% checked baggage screening, among other security enhancements.

While X-ray machines and metal detectors were already in use before 2001, the nature of airport security changed drastically after 9/11. The transition to federal oversight of security checks and the increased scrutiny of luggage and passengers transformed the travel experience, especially for millennials who grew up with these enhanced security measures.

Metal detectors before 2001

Metal detectors, also known as magnetometers, have been used in airports since 1970. On July 17, 1970, New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana became the first airport to use metal detectors to detect weapons or any metal objects on departing passengers. This was in response to a series of hijacking incidents in the 1960s, with the first occurring on May 1, 1961, when a passenger forced a Florida-bound plane to Cuba.

These early metal detectors were four or five feet long and tunnel-like. There were initial concerns about the radiation emitted by the machines, but research showed that the levels were minimal, similar to the radiation from a luminous dial on a watch.

Another concern was that the use of metal detectors in airports violated the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. The courts ruled that it was indeed a violation, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could continue to use metal detectors in airports under two conditions: firstly, that the searches be conducted universally without discrimination, and secondly, that the searches be limited to detecting weapons and explosives.

Metal detectors were an important security measure to protect passengers, airplanes, and airline personnel. They were especially important in airports due to the high concentration of people, making them prime targets for terrorists.

By 1995, metal detectors had been developed that could pinpoint the height of the metal detected, allowing for quicker security checks. However, it was the tragic events of September 11, 2001, that led to a significant increase in airport security measures, including stricter regulations for metal detectors. After 9/11, all passengers were required to pass through metal detectors, and these detectors became more sensitive, able to detect smaller pieces of metal.

Post-2001 security changes

On 11 September 2001, 19 terrorists boarded four commercial flights and hijacked them shortly after take-off. This was the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, with nearly 3,000 people losing their lives.

In the aftermath, an intense focus was placed on airport security, and measures were implemented to prevent similar attacks from reoccurring. The following are some of the security changes that were made post-2001:

November 2001: The Aviation and Transportation Security Act

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act was passed by the 107th US Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush on 19 November 2001. This act established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), requiring screening by federal officials, 100% checked baggage screening, an expansion of the Federal Air Marshal Service, and reinforced cockpit doors. The TSA was created to oversee security not only in airports but also in all modes of transportation.

December 2002: Explosives Detection Systems

The TSA met a key mandate of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act by deploying explosives detection systems nationwide to screen all bags for explosives.

April 2003: Federal Flight Deck Officer Program

The Federal Flight Deck Officer Program was created in response to the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act, which was signed into law in November 2002. The TSA began training flight-deck personnel to carry firearms, and by April 2003, the first armed pilots were aboard commercial flights.

April 2003: Reinforced Cockpit Doors

In accordance with the Aviation and Transportation Security Act and a January 2002 mandate, the TSA worked with the FAA and air carriers to reinforce cockpit doors on commercial aircraft. By April 2003, all air carriers met the requirement to protect against intrusion, small-arms fire, and fragmentation devices.

August 2006: Shoe Removal and Screening

Based on intelligence pointing to a continuing threat, the TSA implemented a requirement for passengers to remove their shoes for screening. This measure was introduced to detect explosives that could be concealed in footwear.

August 2006: Deployment of Federal Air Marshals Overseas

The TSA deployed federal air marshals overseas to counter the evolving threat to aviation security.

September 2006: Enhanced Security Measures

The TSA enhanced security measures, including more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification standards, and the deployment of more trained security officers in bomb appraisal and screening techniques.

September 2006: Amendment to Liquids Rule

The TSA amended its rules governing liquids in carry-on baggage. Airline passengers were allowed to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces or less in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag.

March 2008: Deployment of Canine Teams

The TSA deployed canine teams to aid in the screening of 100% of air cargo loaded onto US passenger aircraft. The program was later expanded to include passenger and baggage screening at airports.

March 2010: Advanced Imaging Technology

The TSA began installing advanced imaging technology units at US airports. These full-body scanners were designed to detect non-metallic weapons, explosives, and other threats that could be concealed under layers of clothing or evade traditional metal detectors.

June 2010: Secure Flight System

The TSA achieved 100% pre-screening for all covered domestic air carrier flights within, inbound for, or outbound from the United States using the Secure Flight system.

November 2010: Ban on Printer Cartridges in Carry-on Baggage

Passengers were prohibited from carrying printer cartridges in their carry-on baggage following an incident where authorities intercepted two IEDs concealed in printer cartridges intended for flights to the US.

December 2011: TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck expedited screening program was introduced at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. This program involves making risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival at the airport checkpoint, providing expedited screening for known and trusted travellers.

December 2013: TSA PreCheck Application Centre

The first TSA PreCheck application centre opened at Indianapolis International Airport, where US citizens and lawful permanent residents could apply for the program by providing biographic information, fingerprints, payment, and identity and citizenship documentation.

December 2014: Advanced Imaging Technology and Explosives Trace Detection Enhancements

The TSA made enhancements to advanced imaging technology and explosives trace detection to complement existing technologies. They also improved pat-down procedures for alarm resolution and implemented specialised screening requirements for select passengers at international and domestic airports.

February 2015: Enhanced Screening at Overseas Airports

The TSA required enhanced screening at select overseas airports with direct flights to the US and increased random searches of passengers and carry-on luggage at US airports.

May 2016: Automated Screening Lanes

The TSA, in collaboration with industry partners, began deploying automated screening lanes with security enhancements, including radio-frequency identification tags attached to bins and cameras that capture photos of the outside of bags, linked to X-ray images of their contents.

July 2017:

The future of luggage scanning

Luggage scanning has come a long way since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which acted as a catalyst for the implementation of advanced security technologies at airports worldwide. In the aftermath of 9/11, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act was swiftly passed, mandating 100% checked baggage screening and establishing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of airport security, with a heightened focus on preventing similar attacks and enhancing passenger safety.

Advancements in Technology

Another area of innovation is the deployment of Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) that specialise in detecting explosive devices hidden within checked baggage. These systems play a critical role in mitigating the risk of explosive-related incidents, enhancing the overall security of air travel.

Streamlining the Screening Process

Efforts are also being made to streamline the luggage screening process and reduce wait times for passengers. The TSA PreCheck program, for instance, allows pre-approved individuals to undergo expedited screening, bypassing the standard checkpoint lines. Participants in this program can keep certain items, such as laptops, inside their bags, and retain their belts, jackets, and shoes during screening, significantly reducing the time spent at security checkpoints.

Additionally, advancements in imaging technology are being leveraged to enhance the efficiency of luggage screening. The latest CT scanners, for example, produce high-resolution 3D images that can be viewed and rotated on multiple axes, minimising the need for manual bag searches. This not only speeds up the screening process but also reduces the physical handling of luggage, improving the overall passenger experience.

Collaboration and Data Sharing

Looking ahead, there is a growing emphasis on collaboration and data sharing between airports, security agencies, and international partners. By sharing intelligence and best practices, security protocols can be standardised and strengthened globally, making it increasingly difficult for potential threats to go undetected.

Furthermore, the integration of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential for the future of luggage scanning. AI-powered systems can analyse vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and detect anomalies, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of threat detection. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, security systems can continuously evolve and adapt to new challenges, ensuring that airports stay one step ahead of potential threats.

In conclusion, the future of luggage scanning in airports is characterised by technological advancements, streamlined processes, and enhanced collaboration. With a continued focus on safety and efficiency, passengers can expect faster and more comprehensive screening procedures, ensuring their peace of mind as they embark on their journeys.

Frequently asked questions