The TSA, collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, just launched a self-service security screening system on a trial basis at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The self-service TSA lanes in Las Vegas allow passengers to go through security at their own pace and with minimal engagement with a TSA agent.
Video monitors give step-by-step instructions for completing the screening. Nothing you’re used to doing when going through security has changed. You still need to put your bag through the scanner, empty your pockets and get scanned yourself. There will just be less interaction with screeners. If a passenger needs help, the video monitors can connect them with a TSA screener who can answer their questions.
After passengers finish the screening and are cleared for travel, automated exit doors open so they can retrieve their bags and walk to their gates. The test started on March 6 and is expected to last six months. Only travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can use the self-serve security lanes.
The TSA sees a need for innovative screening options that make going through airport security as smooth as possible for travelers while maintaining public safety, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.
Growing passenger traffic has sparked the need for solutions. From Jan. 1 to March 5, the TSA screened between 1.6 million and 2.8 million passengers each day nationwide. During that period, TSA screened a greater number of passengers compared to 2022 on all but three days.
“This self-service prototype allows our trusted travelers to complete the screening process at their own pace,” Pekoske said. “Testing at the Innovation Checkpoint in Las Vegas gives us an opportunity to collect valuable user data and insights, and explore opportunities to apply parts of the prototype to other airport security checkpoints.”
TSA officials and members of Homeland Security’s S&T Directorate will evaluate how well the self-service checkpoints worked in Las Vegas before announcing next steps or expansion to other airports.
