Airport Security: Overkill Or Necessary Evil?

Airport security has become an increasingly pressing issue in recent years, with the implementation of new technologies and procedures to enhance security and streamline the process. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, for example, has introduced facial recognition technology at several airports to aid officers in verifying passengers' identities. While this technology aims to improve accuracy and speed, it has also raised concerns about privacy and potential bias in the algorithms used.

The TSA also employs other security measures such as swabbing passengers' hands and luggage to test for traces of explosives. This practice has been deemed minimally invasive and supported by organisations like the American Civil Liberties Union. However, critics argue that the discriminatory use of checks or false positives could lead to further scrutiny and inconvenience for passengers.

With the ever-evolving nature of security threats, finding a balance between ensuring safety and respecting travellers' privacy and convenience remains a challenging task for airport authorities worldwide. As security measures continue to adapt, it is essential to question whether these measures are proportional to the risks and strike the right balance between security and personal freedom.

Biometric identification: identity checks, including facial recognition technology, are becoming more common at airports

Biometric identification is becoming an increasingly common feature of airport security. Identity checks are a routine part of air travel, and while these checks are predominantly still performed by humans, biometric control gates, or "E-Gates", are becoming more widely used.

Biometric identification offers a contactless way to verify a traveller's identity and their entry or exit, with an increased ability to detect fraudulent documents and visa overstays. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been trialling and implementing the Biometric Entry Exit Program at U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP). Using the Traveller Verification System (TVS), the program biometrically confirms the traveller's identity and their entry or exit.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also evaluating the use of biometric technologies to enhance security effectiveness, operational efficiency, and the passenger experience while protecting privacy and civil liberties. TSA's exploration of biometric technologies is scientifically driven and capitalizes on significant advances in biometric accuracy, speed, and the ability to automate processes to help move passengers through screening more quickly. TSA is testing 1:1 (one to one) facial matching capabilities by integrating a camera that will take a picture of a passenger and compare the photo to the image on their photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, using Credential Authentication Technology 2 (CAT-2). This approach does not require a database of pre-staged images because it simply compares an image from the document presented by the passenger against an image taken of the passenger at the checkpoint.

In addition, TSA is testing 1:n (one to few) facial identification capabilities by using the Traveler Verification Service to compare a passenger's live image to a database of pre-enrolled reference photos. This solution is currently being developed for the TSA PreCheck® Application Program and CBP Global Entry Program trusted traveler populations.

Currently, there are 238 airports using Biometric Facial Comparison Technology in the air entry environment, including all 14 CBP Preclearance locations, and 49 locations for air exit (international departures).

Liquid restrictions: only small amounts of liquid are allowed in carry-on luggage

Liquids, gels, and aerosols are restricted to 100ml per container in carry-on luggage. This is a standard security measure in airports worldwide, with some regional variations. The restrictions are in place to prevent dangerous substances from being taken on board aircraft. Passengers are advised to place liquids in a clear, resealable plastic bag, with a maximum volume of 1 litre per bag. Each passenger is allowed only one such bag.

The restrictions apply to all liquids, including beverages, soups, and syrups; gels, including hair and shower gels; pastes, including toothpaste; creams, lotions, and oils; the contents of aerosol cans, including sprays, shaving foam, and deodorants; liquid-solid mixtures; and any other item of similar consistency. Medication and baby formula are permitted but must be declared to security personnel and may be subject to additional security checks. It is recommended that passengers carry supporting documentation for prescription medicine.

Some countries and airlines may impose additional restrictions. For example, Singapore Airlines prohibits "non-radioactive medicinal or toiletry articles (including aerosols) such as hair sprays, perfumes, medicines containing alcohol, hand sanitisers and alcohol-based disinfectants not exceeding 0.5 KG or 0.5 L per article and 2.0 KG or 2.0 L in total weight".

Passengers should be aware that duty-free purchases of liquids, aerosols, and gels may be subject to different regulations depending on the country and airport. For example, at Changi Airport in Singapore, duty-free purchases are allowed on board, but only if they are packed in a sealed, clear plastic bag with a receipt as proof of purchase.

To ensure a smooth security screening process, it is important for passengers to be aware of the liquid restrictions and to pack their liquids accordingly.

Full-body scanners: these detect threatening items and contraband, such as weapons and explosives, under multiple layers of clothing

Full-body scanners are now commonplace in airports in the US and are used to detect threatening items and contraband such as weapons, explosives, and drugs under multiple layers of clothing. They are an alternative to pat-downs, which some people find invasive. The scanners are considered safe and offer a more accurate and less invasive security check.

There are several types of full-body scanners, but the most common is the millimeter-wave scanner. This type of scanner uses electromagnetic waves to detect a wide range of items, from plastic explosives to drugs strapped to a person's body. Millimeter-wave scanners are considered safe and do not generate ionizing radiation. They are also unable to store images of passengers, protecting privacy.

Another type of scanner is the x-ray-based scanner, which comes in two varieties: backscatter and transmission. Backscatter x-ray scanners use low-dose radiation to detect suspicious objects hidden under clothing or in body cavities. Transmission x-ray scanners use higher doses of radiation to detect objects hidden under clothing or inside the body.

In addition to full-body scanners, swab tests are also used to detect traces of explosives. This method was introduced in 2010 to ensure the safety of the aviation environment. Passengers are randomly selected for swabbing, and their hands, luggage, and clothing may be tested for chemicals such as nitrates and glycerin.

While airport security measures are necessary to ensure the safety of passengers, some people argue that full-body scanners and extensive pat-downs are invasive and violate basic human rights. Critics have called the imaging a virtual strip search and have raised concerns about the display of detailed images of the human body. However, current technology has addressed these concerns by using generic body outlines instead of detailed images.

Overall, full-body scanners are an important tool in airport security, providing a safe and effective way to detect threatening items and contraband without physical contact or the removal of clothing.

Trace detection: swabbing of luggage and passengers' hands and clothes is used to detect traces of explosives

Trace detection is a process used to check for traces of explosives on luggage, passengers' hands, and clothes. This process is also known as explosive trace detection (ETD). It involves swabbing the desired surface and inserting the swab into a machine that can detect the presence of explosives. The swab is analysed for chemicals such as nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, and other chemicals that may be used in explosives.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. This practice was expanded in 2010 from simply swabbing luggage and other items. The TSA stresses that false positives are common, as some of the chemicals they test for, such as glycerin and nitrates, are present in soaps, shampoos, and hair products.

The process of swabbing is used as a secondary form of detection alongside full-body scanners. While swabbing can be intimidating, a positive swab test is usually the result of a false positive. If your hands do test positive for explosive material, the TSA will ask you some additional questions and perform a more extensive search of your baggage. However, testing positive for certain chemicals is not a crime, and the TSA acknowledges that hunters, firefighters, police officers, and military personnel may test positive due to their professions.

The use of explosive trace detection technology is supported by various organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, which called it "a good form of security that doesn't really invade privacy." The minimally invasive nature of swabbing and the importance of ensuring aviation safety generally outweigh an individual's right to unreasonable search and seizure.

Pat-downs: these are used to determine whether prohibited items are concealed on a person and may include sensitive areas

Pat-downs are used to determine whether prohibited items are concealed on a person and may include sensitive areas such as the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and buttocks. The officer will advise the passenger of the procedure to help them anticipate any actions before they feel them.

Passengers may be required to undergo a pat-down if the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, for enhanced screening, or as an alternative to other types of screening, such as advanced imaging technology screening. Even passengers who normally receive expedited screening may, at times, receive a pat-down.

Passengers will receive a pat-down from an officer of the same gender. At any time during the process, passengers may request private screening, accompanied by a companion of their choice. A second officer of the same gender will always be present during private screening.

Pat-downs require sufficient pressure to ensure detection, and areas may undergo a pat-down more than once for the officer to confirm no threat items are detected. For pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body, TSA officers use the back of their hands. In limited cases, additional screening involving a sensitive area pat-down with the front of the hand may be needed to determine that a threat does not exist.

Frequently asked questions