Jazmin Li
Airport security has evolved over the years in response to emerging threats, with the goal of protecting passengers, staff, aircraft, and property. Before the 1970s, airport security was minimal, focusing primarily on conventional crimes. However, the 1960s marked a shift as civil aviation became a target for politically motivated crimes, including terrorism and hijackings. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were a pivotal moment, leading to the establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and stricter security measures such as 100% baggage screening, enhanced technology for detecting explosives, and stricter restrictions on liquids and gels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of significant change in airport security | 2001, after the September 11 attacks |
| Year of creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) | November 2001 |
| Year of the Homeland Security Act | 2002 |
| Year of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act | 2002 |
| Year of the Terrorism Prevention Act | 2004 |
| Year of the failed liquid bomb plot | 2006 |
| Year when the first aircraft hijacking occurred | 1931 |
| Year when civil aviation became a recognized target for politically motivated crimes | 1960s |
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What You'll Learn
Post-9/11 security changes
Airport security has evolved significantly since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In the aftermath of 9/11, President George W. Bush established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to safeguard the nation's transportation systems and prevent future attacks.
One of the most noticeable changes for passengers has been the implementation of stricter screening procedures. Prior to 9/11, passengers could arrive at the airport just minutes before their flight, keeping their shoes and coats on while passing through a simple metal detector. Boarding passes and IDs were not always required to go to the gate, and knives with blades up to 4 inches long were permitted on board.
Now, passengers are required to remove their shoes, belts, and outerwear, and all items must be removed from carry-on bags for screening. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are restricted to containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and must be placed in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag. High-tech body scanners and advanced imaging technology have been introduced, and the TSA has deployed explosives detection systems to screen all bags for explosives.
The TSA has also implemented risk assessment programs, such as PreCheck, which provides expedited screening for travellers who undergo detailed background checks and pay a membership fee. Additionally, the Federal Air Marshal Service has been expanded, cockpit doors on commercial aircraft have been reinforced, and air marshals are now armed.
To enhance security further, the TSA has increased random screening of employees, added canine patrols, strengthened air cargo security, and deployed more trained officers in bomb appraisal and screening observation techniques. These measures demonstrate the ongoing commitment to safeguarding aviation security and adapting to evolving threats.
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The 1960s and 1970s
In the 1960s, airport security was relatively simple, with civilian police providing protection against conventional crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and vandalism. However, civil aviation became a recognised target for politically motivated crimes, including acts of terrorism, mass shootings, bombings, and aircraft hijacking. In response to the growing threat, some American airports and airlines began selectively screening passengers who behaved suspiciously. Federal security personnel were introduced on high-risk flights in 1962 as part of the FAA Peace Officers Program, and sky marshals began operating out of Miami in 1969.
Circulating photographs from the 1960s suggest that some form of airport security checks on passengers was implemented during this decade. One such photo, dated 1960, depicts a woman reacting to an early airport security instrument at Atlanta Municipal Airport. However, others have expressed scepticism about the authenticity of this image, as it appears to predate the first hijacking of a commercial flight in the US.
In the 1970s, the threat of terrorism and hijackings intensified, and systematic security screening at airports became increasingly necessary. Metal detectors were introduced at airports to replace the manual searching of passengers, and checkpoints with bag inspections were established in New Orleans in 1970, with several major hubs following suit. The Dowson Field incident in September 1970 also prompted the introduction of passenger screening at Heathrow Airport. While the early 1970s saw the implementation of various national regulations and conventions to enhance airport security, it was not until the Tokyo Convention that most national civil aviation authorities adopted ICAO's recommended security measures.
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The role of the TSA
Airport security has evolved significantly over the years, with a notable shift following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), established in November 2001, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation's transportation systems. With a primary focus on airport security and the prevention of aircraft hijacking, the TSA has implemented various measures to protect passengers, staff, and property from malicious harm, crime, and terrorism.
The TSA, as part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has a broad scope encompassing commercial and general aviation, mass transit systems, freight and passenger rail, highways, pipelines, and ports. The agency employs a risk-based approach, utilising cutting-edge technology and a highly trained workforce to address dynamic threats effectively. This includes the deployment of canine teams, federal air marshals, and advanced imaging technology to enhance security measures.
One of the key roles of the TSA is passenger and baggage screening at airports. TSA transportation security officers are trained to spot prohibited items and have discovered numerous firearms and explosives at security checkpoints. The TSA also offers a PreCheck program, providing expedited screening for travellers who undergo a detailed background check and pay a fee. This program allows the TSA to focus resources on high-risk and unknown passengers.
Additionally, the TSA works collaboratively with transportation operators and security partners at various levels to ensure appropriate security measures are in place. This includes overseeing security regulations for all modes of transportation, including those without passengers. For example, the TSA played a role in establishing cybersecurity regulations after the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021.
The TSA's role extends beyond airports, as it is responsible for security across various transportation sectors. This includes implementing policies to protect highways, railroads, bus networks, mass transit systems, ports, and intermodal freight facilities. The TSA's efforts are led by an Administrator, supported by a Deputy Administrator and a team of executive officers, who collectively work to enhance the security of the nation's critical transportation infrastructure.
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The impact of hijackings
Hijackings have had a significant impact on airport security measures. The wave of hijackings in the late 1960s and early 1970s laid the foundation for today's airport security protocols. During this period, a hijacking occurred, on average, once every five days globally, with the US experiencing its own spate of "mile-high" crimes. This wave of hijackings convinced reluctant government officials and airport executives to adopt the first important airport security protocols.
The first anti-hijacking security protocols aimed to prevent hijackers from getting onto aircraft. These measures included a hijacker profile, metal detectors, and X-ray machines. In 1970, the first hijacking resulting in a fatality occurred on Eastern Air Lines Shuttle Flight 1320, which, along with other more violent hijackings, played a significant role in prompting early airport security measures.
The case of D.B. Cooper, who hijacked a Northwest Orient 727 flight in 1971, is particularly notable. Cooper showed a stewardess what he claimed was a bomb in his briefcase and demanded $200,000 and four parachutes. He allowed the other passengers to deplane in exchange for the money and ordered the pilot to fly to Mexico. This incident, along with the threat of two different groups of hijackers in 1971 and 1972 to crash planes into nuclear power plants, forced the US government, airline executives, and airport officials to adopt more rigorous security protocols.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, further transformed airport security. On the morning of September 11, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial flights, two in Boston, one in Newark, NJ, and one in Washington, DC. In response, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to oversee security in all modes of transportation, with a mandate to conduct 100% checked baggage screening and expand the Federal Air Marshal Service.
In the years following 9/11, TSA implemented additional security measures, including the deployment of explosives detection systems, training flight deck personnel to carry firearms, and reinforcing cockpit doors. TSA also introduced random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security, and rigorous identity verification standards.
To address the threat of liquid explosives, as seen in the 2006 liquid bomb plot, TSA banned all liquids and gels except for baby formula and prescription medicines in carry-on luggage. This incident also led to the requirement for all passengers to remove their shoes for screening, as Richard Reid, the "Shoe Bomber," had attempted to detonate a bomb in his shoe onboard a flight in 2001.
Overall, hijackings have had a significant impact on the evolution of airport security, leading to the implementation of various measures to protect passengers, staff, aircraft, and airport property from malicious harm and terrorist attacks.
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The future of airport security
Airport security has evolved significantly over the years, from minimal security arrangements in the 1960s to the stringent measures in place today. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, marked a turning point, leading to the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and heightened security protocols.
One significant advancement is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and biometrics. Biometric security uses fingerprints or iris scans to verify a passenger's identity, offering a faster and more secure means of clearing airport security. Companies like CLEAR in the U.S. and airports in Hong Kong, Doha, and Singapore have already implemented such systems, and expansion is planned. AI-powered systems are expected to play a more prominent role in enhancing international security checks by 2025, with airports in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia leading the way.
Another key technology is computed tomography (CT) scanners, which provide a 3D image of luggage contents, improving threat detection without requiring travelers to remove electronics or liquids. TSA began deploying CT scanners in 2019, and they are now found in many U.S. airports. The latest checkpoint X-ray scanning equipment, similar to medical CT technology, enhances threat detection capabilities for carry-on baggage.
Additionally, the TSA is working on shoe scanners that would allow passengers to keep their shoes on during security checks, speeding up the screening process. The TSA PreCheck program also offers expedited screening for travelers who undergo detailed background checks and pay a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport security has been in place in some form since the 1960s, but it has evolved over the years, particularly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, airport security was relatively relaxed. People could pass through security checkpoints without taking off their shoes, belts, or outerwear, and liquids, gels, and aerosols were allowed in any quantity. Boarding passes and IDs were not always required to go to the gate, and knives with blades up to 4 inches long were permitted on planes.
After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, airport security measures were significantly tightened. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to oversee security in all modes of transportation, and new requirements included 100% screening of checked baggage, reinforced cockpit doors, and stricter scrutiny of hand baggage. Passengers were also asked to remove their shoes for screening, and liquids, gels, and aerosols were banned or restricted to small quantities in carry-on luggage.
