Security in 12 Seconds? A New TSA PreCheck Upgrade Will Speed Up Your Experience

TSA PreCheck is a fast-track security program designed for trusted travelers, making it a popular choice for those looking to reach their gates swiftly and easily. Beginning next year, having the program's logo on your boarding pass will offer an exciting new benefit: access to completely self-service TSA security lines.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced the introduction of self-service screening systems, starting at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2024. This initiative allows TSA PreCheck passengers to navigate the screening process with little to no help from transportation security officers.

The innovative solution, known as Screening at Speed, comes as air travel numbers are beginning to surpass prepandemic levels, according to DHS's science and technology division. This initiative aims to improve security screening processes amidst rising passenger volumes without overburdening TSA staffing resources.

Screening at Speed builds on the recent implementation of TSA’s self-service facial recognition technology, which debuted at select airports last summer and removes the need for TSA agents to verify IDs and boarding passes. Similar to the facial recognition program, Screening at Speed enables travelers to scan their own ID, after which a photo is taken, and biometric technology confirms their identity and flight information.

Currently, Screening at Speed will be exclusive to TSA PreCheck passengers, who can inspect their own carry-on bags by placing them in an inspection pod. If there are no issues with their luggage (for example, no prohibited items like a bottle of wine), they can simply collect their bags and proceed. A TSA agent will only intervene if a problem arises, as per usual protocol. Agents will also be present to answer any questions regarding the process.

"Much like self-order kiosks found in fast-food or casual dining establishments, self-service screening enables Trusted Traveler Program participants to manage the security screening process independently," said John Fortune, manager of the Screening at Speed program, in a press release. "Passengers will use screening systems at individual consoles or lanes, which will decrease the need for pat-downs and bag inspections by TSA officers, allowing them to focus on busier screening tasks. The feedback we've received during testing has been overwhelmingly positive."

Screening at Speed anticipates processing 300 individuals per hour per lane—or just 12 seconds per person—which DHS believes will enhance security efficiency and improve the passenger experience.

Three companies—Micro-X, Voxel Radar, and Vanderlande—have been collaborating to create self-screening prototypes for the Screening at Speed program. Vanderlande's design integrates all screening components into a single checkpoint lane, which was tested earlier this year at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. This will be the system implemented at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas next month. Harry Reid International is known for featuring the latest advancements in aviation technology. Notably, in 2019, it was where TSA introduced its Innovation Checkpoint on the Zero Level of Terminal 3, an area dedicated to trialing potential security enhancements.

"The Innovation Checkpoint... is an exciting initiative that allows TSA to showcase multiple solutions and capabilities from various vendors within a single environment, all while maintaining normal airport operations," said Austin Gould, TSA assistant administrator for requirements and capabilities analysis, during the Innovation Checkpoint launch.

Other initiatives stemming from the Innovation Checkpoint include self-service facial recognition technology and a UV-C light sanitization system designed to disinfect bins between uses.

Screening at Speed represents the latest in a series of innovative measures that TSA and DHS are implementing to enhance the speed and efficiency of airport security screenings. TSA is also working to remove the need for travelers to show their boarding passes at airports nationwide, thanks to new Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) that enables TSA officers to verify flight details by simply scanning IDs. Additionally, new Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray machines are being deployed at numerous U.S. airports, allowing passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their bags during screening.