America's Airports: Enhancing Security, Efficiency, And Experience

In the years following the September 11 attacks, airport security has been under intense scrutiny, with a focus on implementing measures to prevent similar attacks. Aviation security became a federal responsibility, and various regulations were put in place, including restricting access beyond security checkpoints to ticketed passengers only, banning sharp objects in carry-on luggage, and limiting curb-side vehicle access. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has also introduced enhanced security measures, such as increased screening of passengers, luggage, and electronic devices, and the deployment of state-of-the-art automated screening lanes. However, concerns have been raised about the potential intrusion on civil liberties and privacy, particularly with the use of certain technologies like facial recognition and low-dose X-ray machines. To address these challenges, the TSA continues to work on improving detection capabilities, collaborating with international partners, and standardizing best practices to secure America's airports.

Increased training for security personnel

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, aviation security became a federal responsibility, and it is clear that the TSA has not lived up to its obligation under the Aviation, Transportation and Security Act. To improve airport security in America, a layered approach to security is the best defense.

One of the key components of this layered approach is increased training for security personnel. This includes training in security-related internships and jobs, as well as formal education. For example, classes in history and government can help familiarize individuals with previous national security threats, while math classes can enhance analytical and observational skills.

All airport security personnel should be highly trained before starting their jobs, with specific training in operating and identifying dangerous objects from X-ray machines and handheld wands. Screeners, in particular, face many physical and vision tests to ensure they can meet the demands of the job, including detecting small threats on a computer screen, lifting heavy luggage, and standing for long periods.

Additionally, air marshals and directors of security must pass rigorous vision and hearing tests and be in excellent physical shape to face and dominate potential attackers. Increased training in these areas can help security personnel effectively respond to evolving threats and maintain a high level of security without compromising civil liberties.

Heightened screening of airline and airport staff

The importance of heightened screening of airline and airport staff cannot be overstated. Employees are the worst kind of threat because they know the environment, people, processes, systems, and vulnerabilities of an airport. As such, they should be subjected to rigorous screening or inspection, at least as rigorous as the screening of passengers and their baggage.

One way to achieve this is through the use of biometric identifiers such as iris scans or digital fingerprints. While the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposes using this technology for all airline passengers due to privacy concerns, they do not oppose its use for airport and airline staff. This technology has a low error rate and can increase security without compromising civil liberties.

Another measure is to implement random employee screening, as mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directive issued in April 2023. Airports of a certain size are required to conduct random screenings of employees entering secure areas by September 2023. This includes random selection of access portals, employees, and bags for inspection. Airports must develop their own screening policies, procedures, and technology solutions to meet this directive.

In addition to biometric screening and random inspections, other measures can be taken to enhance staff screening. This includes increased training for security personnel, strict control of secured areas, and measures to improve security at foreign airports. Developing a prohibited items list that is workable for airline crews, airport employees, and maintenance staff is also crucial.

Improved intelligence sharing and standardisation of best practices

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, aviation security became a federal responsibility. Since then, the US has been working to improve airport security and prevent terrorist attacks.

To improve intelligence sharing and standardise best practices, the US Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT Bureau) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have collaborated with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) to hold workshops on "Soft Target Protection in an Aviation Ecosystem". These workshops bring together various stakeholders, including APEC member economies, working groups, law enforcement, and industry partners, to discuss challenges and share best practices in protecting commercial aviation soft targets.

Additionally, the US has participated in the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), which provides comprehensive resources on protecting soft targets. The Organization of American States Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) has also shared its findings, recommendations, and lessons learned in the tourism and crowded spaces security sector in the Americas and the Caribbean.

The TSA has also taken steps to improve intelligence sharing and standardise best practices. In February 2015, the TSA started using testing teams to identify areas for improvement in detection and resolution capabilities. They have also increased random searches of passengers and carry-on luggage at US airports and implemented stronger domestic screening procedures for carry-on items, requiring travellers to place all personal electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening.

Furthermore, the TSA has collaborated with industry partners to deploy state-of-the-art automated screening lanes, utilising radio frequency identification tags and cameras to enhance security and accountability. The TSA PreCheck® program also makes risk assessments about passengers before they arrive at the airport, expediting the screening process for known and trusted travellers.

By participating in international forums, collaborating with various organisations, and implementing enhanced security measures, the US strives to improve intelligence sharing and standardise best practices to ensure the security of its airports and aviation industry.

Enhanced screening of passengers, their baggage and electronic devices

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented enhanced security measures for passengers, their baggage, and electronic devices. These measures are designed to improve aviation security and address current and evolving threats.

Passengers flying to the United States may experience additional screening of their person, property, and electronic devices. This includes removing personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from carry-on bags for separate X-ray screening. TSA officers may also instruct travellers to separate other items, such as foods, powders, and materials that could obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. This enhanced screening process may result in longer wait times, so travellers are encouraged to arrive at the airport early.

TSA uses advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. Passengers will generally have the option to decline advanced imaging technology (AIT) screening in favour of a physical search. However, in limited circumstances, some passengers may be required to undergo AIT screening if they have been selected for enhanced screening prior to their arrival at the security checkpoint.

To further enhance security, TSA has funded projects to improve baggage screening infrastructure. This includes the installation of baggage conveyor systems, reconfiguration of terminal baggage areas, and deployment of explosive detection systems. These measures aim to strengthen security and improve the efficiency of screening processes.

While these enhanced security measures are a significant step forward, the dynamic nature of threats requires constant evolution and adaptation. This includes improving intelligence sharing, standardizing best practices, and seeking advanced technology to stay ahead of emerging challenges and ensure the safety of air travel.

Restricting terminal access to ticketed passengers and authorised personnel

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, airport security became a federal responsibility and the focus shifted to restricting terminal access to authorised individuals only. This meant that only ticketed passengers could move past the security checkpoint. Before 9/11, even those who weren't flying could enter the secure area by passing through the checkpoint.

To implement this change, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) introduced TSA PreCheck, an expedited screening programme that assesses passengers before they arrive at the airport. This programme requires passengers to provide biographic information, fingerprints, payment, and identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. TSA has also deployed state-of-the-art automated screening lanes with radio-frequency identification tags and cameras that capture photos of luggage, linked to X-ray images of the contents.

Additionally, the TSA has increased random searches of passengers and carry-on luggage, particularly for electronic devices larger than a cellphone. These enhanced security measures are implemented in phases, with some taking immediate effect and others being introduced over time, in collaboration with international partners.

While these measures improve security, they may result in longer wait times for travellers. The TSA and the Department of Homeland Security are aware of the potential for civil liberties violations and privacy concerns with certain technologies, such as biometric identifiers and body scans. Therefore, they emphasise the need to balance security requirements with operational impact and only use intrusive measures when there is good cause to suspect an individual.

To further improve security, the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security are working with international partners to improve intelligence sharing, standardise best practices, and seek advanced technology solutions. They are also establishing additional pre-clearance locations and improving security at foreign airports to raise the global aviation security baseline.

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