Airports' Temperature Checks: Who's Doing It And Why

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented as a measure to identify potentially unwell individuals and reduce the spread of viruses, such as COVID-19. While some airports conduct temperature screening using handheld thermometers or thermal cameras, others utilize automated temperature check kiosks for contactless and efficient detection of abnormal readings. These measures aim to enhance passenger safety and confidence in air travel, although critics argue that they may not effectively identify all infected individuals.

Thermal cameras vs handheld thermometers

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airports have been increasingly adopting temperature checks to identify potentially unwell individuals. Two methods for conducting these temperature checks include thermal cameras and handheld thermometers.

Thermal cameras, also known as infrared cameras or thermal imagers, are inspection tools that capture infrared energy emitted by objects and create an image. These cameras are ideal for industrial inspection, building inspection, security, electrical maintenance, and firefighting, among other applications. They can identify temperature differences and detect heat sources in dark places. In airports, thermal cameras have been used for temperature screening since 2003, with some travellers noting that they were not always monitored by staff.

Handheld thermometers, on the other hand, are operated by staff members and require physical proximity to the person being screened. While this method may be more accurate for certain individuals, such as children, it can pose health risks to staff and cause delays due to queuing. Additionally, employing additional staff for temperature screening can be costly.

Thermal cameras offer a contactless and efficient solution for temperature screening at airports. They can quickly scan multiple individuals without causing delays. However, they may not be as accurate for individuals who are shorter, such as children, or those wearing hats, as their body temperature may be blocked by other objects in the camera's field of view.

Handheld thermometers provide a more targeted and precise reading but may not be feasible for large-scale screening at airports. They are more suitable for selective temperature checks, such as in the case of individuals exhibiting visible symptoms or those with specific concerns.

In summary, both thermal cameras and handheld thermometers have their advantages and limitations in the context of airport temperature screening. Thermal cameras offer speed, efficiency, and contactless screening, while handheld thermometers provide more targeted and accurate readings but may be more time-consuming and costly. The choice between the two methods depends on the specific needs and constraints of the airport and its passenger volume.

Accuracy of temperature checks

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented to identify individuals who may be unwell and to limit the spread of viruses, such as COVID-19. These checks can be conducted using handheld thermometers operated by staff or automated temperature check kiosks. While handheld thermometers require additional staff and may cause delays, automated kiosks provide a quick, accurate, and contactless method for temperature screening. The kiosks use infrared thermal imaging technology with an accuracy of ± 0.5°C or ± 0.9°F and can detect temperatures from a distance of 0.5 meters, allowing for social distancing.

However, it is important to note that temperature screening kiosks are not medical devices and cannot diagnose an individual with a virus. They only indicate whether an individual has a normal or abnormal temperature reading. Additionally, factors such as sweating and changes in body heat can impact the accuracy of temperature readings.

The use of temperature checks at airports varies across different countries and regions. For example, temperature checks have been commonly reported in Hong Kong, where thermal cameras have been used since 2003. Changi Airport in Malaysia is also known for conducting temperature checks. In some cases, temperature checks may be performed randomly or specifically on individuals wearing hats, as thermal cameras may not work effectively with headwear.

While temperature screening can provide a sense of security during a pandemic, it should be noted that these checks are not foolproof. In some instances, individuals with fevers may take medication to lower their body temperature before travelling, which can affect the accuracy of temperature readings. Therefore, while temperature checks can be a useful tool, they should be complemented with other preventive measures to ensure effective virus control at airports and other transportation hubs.

Self-service technology

The use of self-service technology in airports has grown significantly over the last decade. Self-service kiosks for self-check-in, baggage drop, and passport control are now available at most airports. The primary motivation for implementing automated airport technology is to reduce waiting times and enhance the overall customer experience. As the number of air passengers is expected to double in the next twenty years, reducing wait times becomes crucial.

In 2020, Etihad Airways partnered with Elenium Automation to trial new technology that allows self-service devices at airports to monitor passengers' temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. This technology can be integrated into various touchpoints, such as check-in kiosks, bag drop facilities, and immigration gates. If a passenger's vital signs indicate potential symptoms, the system will automatically suspend the self-service process and divert to a teleconference or alert qualified staff for further assessment.

The use of self-service technology for temperature checks and other health screenings is expected to become more prevalent in airports worldwide. This technology not only helps prevent the spread of viruses but also contributes to a more efficient and safe travel experience for passengers.

Random vs mandatory checks

Random vs Mandatory Temperature Checks at Airports

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented as a safety measure to identify individuals who may be unwell during the COVID-19 pandemic. These checks are conducted using either handheld thermometers operated by staff or automated temperature check kiosks. While some airports conduct mandatory temperature checks for all passengers, others perform random temperature checks, stopping only certain individuals for screening.

Mandatory Temperature Checks:

At airports with mandatory temperature checks, all passengers are required to undergo screening before proceeding. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that potentially unwell individuals are not missed and can help prevent the spread of viruses within the airport and on flights. However, this method can result in longer queues and increased wait times for passengers. Additionally, it requires more staff members to operate the thermometers, which can be costly for the airport.

Random Temperature Checks:

Airports that employ random temperature checks use a combination of thermal cameras and manual checks by staff. This approach aims to strike a balance between safety and efficiency. By primarily relying on thermal cameras, staff can monitor passengers' temperatures without causing delays. However, this method may raise concerns about accuracy, as thermal cameras may not detect elevated temperatures under certain circumstances, such as when individuals are wearing hats, as seen in some airports.

Benefits of Automated Temperature Check Kiosks:

Automated temperature check kiosks offer a self-service option that reduces the need for close contact between staff and passengers. These kiosks provide accurate temperature readings from a suitable distance and do not require additional staff, helping to decrease wait times. Additionally, they can be configured with mask detection, alerting staff if a passenger is not complying with mandatory mask protocols.

While temperature checks cannot specifically detect COVID-19, they can identify individuals with abnormal temperature readings, potentially indicating an illness. As aviation strives to restore pre-pandemic passenger levels, implementing multiple safety measures, including temperature checks, is crucial to providing a safe travel experience for both passengers and staff.

Liability and responsibility

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a growing desire to implement temperature checks at airports to identify potentially unwell individuals. However, the liability and responsibility for conducting these checks are complex issues that have sparked debates among various stakeholders, including airports, airlines, and government entities such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

One of the primary concerns regarding liability is the accuracy of temperature readings. While automated temperature check kiosks and handheld thermometers are used at airports, these are not medical devices, and their accuracy may be influenced by factors such as drafts, direct sunlight, radiant heat, hats, and sweat. As a result, individuals with fevers may go undetected or falsely flagged, leading to potential disputes over the reliability of the screening process.

Another aspect of liability relates to the potential exposure of staff conducting temperature checks. Critics argue that assigning TSA agents or other staff members to perform temperature checks places them at a higher risk of contracting the virus from infected passengers. This concern has been highlighted by reports of TSA agent illnesses and deaths due to COVID-19. As a result, some stakeholders advocate for contactless temperature screening methods, such as thermal cameras, to minimise this risk.

Responsibility for conducting temperature checks at airports is another contentious issue. Airlines have been reluctant to take on this responsibility due to the associated costs, staff training requirements, and potential liability issues. Some travellers have suggested that temperature checks should be conducted by airports or the TSA as part of the security screening process. However, the TSA has not actively pursued this role, and the White House previously refused to implement temperature checks or mask mandates.

Ultimately, the liability and responsibility for temperature checks at airports involve balancing public health concerns, operational feasibility, and financial considerations. While temperature screening may provide some reassurance to travellers, it is just one aspect of pandemic precautions, and its effectiveness is limited without complementary interventions such as handwashing, social distancing, and mask-wearing. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, policies and practices regarding temperature checks at airports may also need to adapt to address these challenges effectively.

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