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Now Boarding at BWI: Security With Hint of Calm
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The TSA is buying more than 800 3-D X-ray machines, which on average cost about $125,000 and should make it easier for screeners to spot explosives by giving them multiple views of carry-on luggage. Current machines provide screeners with only one view of a bag, sometimes making it difficult to spot explosives.
To improve the chances of detecting explosives hidden on a passenger, the TSA is buying and deploying 30 millimeter-wave devices known as "whole body" imagers that can see through clothing by analyzing the reflection of radio frequency energy bounced off passengers. The devices have been stationed at four airports, including BWI. The 30 devices will cost about $7 million.
Security officials also announced plans yesterday to improve screeners' ability to spot explosives and suspicious behavior while using techniques that can reduce friction with passengers.
"We are aiming for an effective security checkpoint that also reduces the hassles on passengers," said Kip Hawley, the TSA's administrator.
The effort to create a calmer environment was on display at BWI yesterday at a prototype of a future checkpoint. The checkpoint had soothing blue lights, relaxing background noise and screeners in happy blue uniforms. The checkpoint had two millimeter-wave machines, as well as 3-D X-ray devices.
At other airports, the TSA is experimenting with family-friendly lines for those not experienced with security requirements or for those with lots of bags. Officials said they will evaluate the effectiveness of lighting and background music at BWI before rolling out those changes at other airports. Airports, not the TSA, would finance such features. A BWI spokesman said the airport had not decided whether to add the features to other checkpoints at the airport.
Chertoff brushed off a question about forgetting to remove his footwear, and Hawley said he only removed his because he has "become conditioned" to the rule.
Passengers at the airport expressed mixed opinions about whether the new technology and environment will alter an experience that they said was as frustrating as ever.
"The ambiance won't change anything," said Gene Lindenboom, 56, an aluminum salesman heading home to Florida. "You still have to remove your shoes. You still have to put liquids in that small bag."
When told that Chertoff did not remove his shoes, Lindenboom smiled: "Maybe now I won't have to remove mine anymore."
