Program proposed to ease airline security hassle

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing a “trusted traveler” program where passengers pay a fee to reduce the screening hassle but in the meantime, the “Checkpoint of the Future” could easily ease the always mounting frustration of airline security lines.
 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled the first mock-up in Singapore of a “Checkpoint of the Future.”
 

“We spend UF$7.4 billion a year to keep aviation secure. But our passengers only see hassle. Passengers should be able to get from curb to boarding gate with dignity. That means without stopping, stripping or unpacking, and certainly not groping,” said Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
 

It’s intended purpose: enhance security while reducing lines and intrusive searches at airports.

The method: using intelligence-driven and risk-based measures, a goal the US’s TSA has not exactly embraced.
 

The main concept of the Checkpoint is to allow minimum time lost for the vast majority of travelers while focusing security efforts on higher risk passengers  —  without jeopardizing security.
 

Bisignani points out that today’s security systems were designed four decades ago to stop hijackers carrying metal weapons. It’s gotten more intensive with emerging terrorist threats. Fliers are more secure but Bisignani wants the airline to rethink the process to meet new threats.
 

“We need a process that responds to today’s threat. It must amalgamate intelligence based on passenger information and new technology. That means moving from a system that looks for bad objects, to one that can find bad people,” he said.
 

The Checkpoint of the Future ends the one-size-fits-all concept for security.
 

Passengers approaching the checkpoint will be directed to one of three lanes: “known traveler,”  “normal,” and “enhanced security.” The determination will be based on a biometric identifier in the passport or other travel document that triggers the results of a risk assessment conducted by government before the passenger arrives at the airport. 
 

The three security lanes will have technology to check passengers according to risk.
“Known travelers” who have registered and completed background checks with government authorities will have expedited access. “Normal screening” would be for the majority of travelers. And those passengers for whom less information is available, who are randomly selected or who are deemed to be an “Elevated risk” would have an additional level of screening.
 

Screening technology is being developed that will allow passengers to walk through the checkpoint without having to remove clothes or unpack their belongings, says the IATA.
 

Moreover, it is envisioned that the security process could be combined with outbound customs and immigration procedures, further streamlining the experience.
 

Through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 19 governments, including the United States, are working to define standards for a Checkpoint of the Future.
 

IATA is also coordinating closely with the US Department of Homeland Security’s “Checkpoint of Tomorrow” program which has similar goals.
 

“We have the ability to move to the biometric scanning and three-lane concept right now. And while some of the technology still needs to be developed, even by just re-purposing what we have today, we could see major changes in two or three years time,” said Bisignani.
 

“We must make coordinated investments for civilized flying,” he added.
 

By David Wilkening