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Airport security has evolved significantly over the years, driven by advancements in technology and an increasing focus on safety. In the past, airport security was relatively simple, with civilian police providing protection against conventional crimes. However, as civil aviation became a recognised target for politically motivated crimes such as terrorism and hijackings, security measures gradually tightened. The introduction of metal detectors, X-ray machines, and magnetometers marked the beginning of more comprehensive passenger and baggage screening. Today, airports have adopted advanced technologies, including biometric identification methods such as facial recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans, to enhance security and streamline the passenger journey. As threats continue to evolve, airport security remains a dynamic field, constantly adapting to maintain the safety and efficiency of air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Metal detectors | In use before 9/11; passengers could be asked to go through a second time if they set off the alarm |
| Baggage screening | X-ray machines used for carry-on baggage; no checked baggage screening |
| ID checks | Not required to pass through security or board the plane |
| Boarding passes | Not required to pass through security or board the plane |
| Weapons | Knives of up to 4 inches in length were allowed on planes |
| Liquids | No restrictions on liquids, gels, or aerosols |
| Shoes | Passengers could pass through security with shoes on |
| Security staff | Private contractors hired by airlines |
| Wait times | Minimal |
| Security focus | Designed to be "invisible" and not interfere with airport operations |
| Security equipment | Less sophisticated than today's equipment |
| Security procedures | Less thorough than today's procedures |
| Security awareness | Lower level of public awareness and concern about security |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-9/11 airport security
Airport security before the September 11, 2001 attacks was a relatively benign, routine exercise. On September 10, 2001, anyone could enter an airport, regardless of whether they were flying or not, and pass through security without removing their shoes, belts, or outerwear. Liquids, gels, and aerosols were allowed in any quantity, and carry-on bags were scanned by private screeners hired by airlines. Unless something set off the metal detector, extra screening was rarely required.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by signing the Homeland Security Act of 2002. This unified 22 agencies under a single department with a mission to safeguard the American people. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act, also signed into law by President Bush, established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to oversee security in all modes of transportation, including airports.
The creation of the TSA led to significant changes in airport security procedures. One of its key mandates was to deploy explosives detection systems nationwide to screen all bags for explosives. The TSA also implemented 100% checked baggage screening, expanded the Federal Air Marshal Service, and reinforced cockpit doors. These measures were put in place to prevent future attacks and enhance the security of travellers.
Over time, the TSA continued to evolve and enhance its security measures. In December 2013, the first TSA PreCheck® application centre opened at Indianapolis International Airport, offering expedited screening for known and trusted travellers. In December 2014, the TSA introduced advanced imaging technology and improved explosives trace detection capabilities. They also focused on enhancing pat-down procedures and specialised screening requirements for select passengers at international and domestic airports.
The events of 9/11 had a profound impact on airport security, leading to the creation of dedicated agencies and the implementation of stricter security measures. The efforts of organisations like the TSA have been instrumental in safeguarding travellers and preventing future attacks.
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Metal detectors
The use of metal detectors at airports was a response to the increase in hijacking attempts in the 1960s. In 1969 alone, there were 40 hijackings in the US and a total of 89 worldwide. The early airport metal detectors were often four or five feet long and tunnel-like. They were called magnetometers and were originally used to find metal pieces in logs.
The use of metal detectors at airports has evolved over time. In 1995, an airport security detector was developed that could pinpoint the height of the metal detected, allowing security personnel to locate the object more quickly. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, metal detectors became more sensitive and capable of detecting smaller pieces of metal.
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Knives on planes
Before 9/11, airport security was almost invisible, and it was designed to be that way. There was little to no interference with aircraft or airport operations. Passengers could walk up to the gate at the very last minute and did not need a boarding pass or ID. They could keep their shoes and coats on as they went through a simple metal detector.
Prior to the 1970s, American airports had minimal security arrangements to prevent acts of terrorism. For some flights with unassigned seating, no reservations were required, and fares were collected in-flight. Federal security personnel started serving on high-risk flights in 1962 as the FAA Peace Officers Program, and sky marshals began working out of the Miami field office of the United States Marshals Service in 1969.
The 9/11 hijackers used knives and/or razor blades in their attacks, which they likely had on them or in their carry-on bags. Even if these weapons were detected, they would have been allowed on board. The FAA allowed knives of up to 4 inches in length on planes. The hijackers had defeated all the security layers that America's civil aviation security system had in place to prevent a hijacking.
In the aftermath of 9/11, airport security changed drastically. Now, travellers often stand in long lines at security checkpoints with wait times that can exceed an hour. They must remove their shoes, empty their pockets, and take laptops and other devices out of their carry-on bags before stepping into high-resolution, full-body scanners. Liquids, gels, and aerosols above 100 ml are also prohibited.
Today, knives are prohibited from carry-on baggage and must be packed in checked baggage. Small knives were briefly allowed on planes in 2013, but the decision was reversed due to public backlash and resistance from flight attendants. TSA regulations deem all items left at security property of the federal government, and they are either destroyed or distributed to various non-profit or relief agencies.
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Post-9/11 security changes
Airport security changed drastically after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Prior to 9/11, security was relatively relaxed, with passengers strolling through metal detectors with their shoes, coats, and belts on, and without the need for a boarding pass or ID. Knives with blades up to 4 inches in length were even permitted on board.
In the aftermath of 9/11, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established in the US by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, signed into law by President George W. Bush. The TSA was tasked with safeguarding the nation's transportation systems and took on several key responsibilities, including 100% checked baggage screening, expansion of the Federal Air Marshal Service, and reinforced cockpit doors.
Security measures at airports became significantly more stringent. Passengers now had to remove their shoes, coats, and belts, and take laptops and other devices out of their carry-on bags before stepping into full-body scanners. High-resolution 3D imaging scans luggage, and liquids, gels, and aerosols are restricted to containers of 3.4 ounces or 100ml. The UK also experimented with backscatter X-ray machines, which provided a 360-degree view of the body, but these were replaced by millimetre-wave scanners that show any hidden items without revealing the passenger's body.
The TSA also implemented more random screening of employees, increased canine patrols, strengthened air cargo security, and deployed more trained officers in bomb appraisal and screening by observation techniques. Additionally, the TSA conducts thorough background checks and risk assessments of passengers prior to their arrival at checkpoints.
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Screening procedures
Before the 1960s, airport security was relatively simple. Civilian police were employed to protect against conventional crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and vandalism. However, in the 1960s, civil aviation became a target for politically motivated crimes, including acts of terrorism and aircraft hijacking. In response, metal detectors were installed at airports, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instituted universal physical screening of passengers, requiring them to pass through metal detectors and have their bags searched.
By the 1970s, security measures at airports had evolved to include magnetometers for scanning passengers and X-ray machines for screening carry-on baggage. Passengers deemed suspicious were subjected to body searches, and access to operational areas was restricted to authorised staff only. As hijackings continued to occur, security procedures intensified, with more thorough passenger and baggage search procedures, increased security staffing, and enhanced security equipment.
In the years leading up to the September 11, 2001 attacks, airport security in the US was relatively relaxed. Passengers could arrive at the airport shortly before their flight, keeping their shoes, coats, and belts on while passing through metal detectors. No boarding pass or ID was required to go to the gate, and knives with blades up to 4 inches in length were permitted on board. However, this changed drastically after the 9/11 attacks, with the implementation of stricter security measures, including the removal of shoes, belts, and outerwear during screening, restrictions on liquids, and enhanced identity verification.
In the aftermath of 9/11, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act was passed, establishing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating 100% checked baggage screening, expansion of the Federal Air Marshal Service, and reinforced cockpit doors. TSA introduced explosives detection systems, random screening of employees, canine patrols, and stronger air cargo security measures. Additionally, the liquids ban was amended to allow only small quantities (3.4 ounces or 100 ml) in clear, resealable bags.
While these measures significantly enhanced security, they also introduced challenges, such as long wait times at checkpoints and hygiene concerns, particularly with the shared use of plastic security screening trays. To address these issues, airports have implemented risk-based security approaches, such as the "trusted traveller program," which aims to streamline screening for verified low-risk individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
The first serious criminal aviation incident occurred in 1955, but hijacking has occurred since the 1930s. In the 1950s, air travel was not as accessible as it is today due to high ticket prices, so some level of security was likely similar to what we see on private jets today.
The first serious increase in airport security appears to have come in 1961 when Antulio Ramirez Ortiz hijacked a National Airlines flight to Cuba. In response, the US government began placing armed guards on commercial planes when requested by airlines or the FBI. There is also photographic evidence of passengers queuing for security booths at Zurich Kloten Airport in the 1960s, where they would be "inquired on weapons". However, some sources claim that airport security screening did not exist before the early 1970s.
In the 1970s, airport security became stricter due to a slew of incidents in the late 1960s. In 1972, the FAA mandated the use of metal detectors and gave airlines one month to begin searching all passengers and their bags.
