Airport Security Is Getting More Expensive

Author: Steve Robinson

Some of the additional security measures being taken include:

Going from 44 full image body scanners in 21 U.S. airports at the start of ‘10 to almost 1,000 scanners being in place nationwide by the end of this year. These machines cost an average of $150,000 each.
The use of Explosive Trace Detection machines has been expanded recently enabling security personnel to move more frequently around gate areas as well as security check points with portable machines which are able to identify traces of explosives after a cotton swab is moved over passengers' hands and/or luggage.
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is purposely reducing predictability of the screening process. At selected airports travelers may choose between a body scans or pat downs.
TSA is placing more air marshals on flights. Recently, an air marshal showed his presence by apprehending a passenger who was smoking in the rest room, for fear it was another bomb attempt.

A recent survey of over 3,200 U.S. passengers identified long security lines as the most annoying part of being at the airport. Given that full body scans take a little longer to go through than metal detectors, longer waits can be expected when airports are hectic. With all the electronic devices, and the high tech processes, our waiting times continue to annoy us.

Some carriers are suggesting that travelers arrive 75 minutes prior to domestic flights and as much as three hours before international flights. Hopefully, this time will be reduced over the course of the first few months, as the learning curve of the new equipment will help.

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