Security Lines May Get Shorter for American Airlines Passengers at LAX

Los Angeles, CA — American Airlines passengers may see shorter lines at LAX this fall thanks to a joint partnership with the Transportation Security Administration, the agency announced.

Through the joint initiative, the TSA will install new automated screening lanes at select American Airline hubs this fall, including LAX. These new automated screening lanes will incorporate new technologies and screening modifications that will enhance security while decreasing passengers' screening wait time by 30 percent, the agency said.

“Our foremost priority is the security of the traveling public,” TSA Administrator Peter V. Neffenger said. “To ensure that we remain up to date in an evolving threat environment, TSA continues to test and deploy state-of-the-art technologies. This collaboration with American Airlines is an important step in enhancing the traveler experience while maintaining effective security.”

The TSA was already testing these automated lanes with Delta Airlines in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Two lanes went into operation there in late May, a TSA spokesperson said.

The lanes work by having automated belts carry bags into X-ray machines, allowing bags with potential threats to be directed to a separate area so bags behind it can continue uninterrupted through the system.

American and TSA also plan to install computed tomography, or CT, scanners as a pilot program at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. The scanners are currently used only to screen checked luggage, but the 3-D technology could allow passengers to leave liquids and laptops in their bags, reducing hold-ups in the screening line.

“We are proud to be working collaboratively with the TSA to support next-generation screening technology at five of our hubs this fall,'' American Airlines Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom said. “These state-of-the-art lanes, along with new detection technology that will be tested in Phoenix, will enhance security effectiveness and efficiency, while improving the customer experience.”

In April, American was one of the airlines criticizing the TSA for its long security wait times. Nearly 6,800 of its passengers missed their flights during spring break in March. At the time, American called the checkpoint lines “unacceptable.”

“Our customers and employees were concerned with the length of TSA lines at airports nationwide, so we have been working with the TSA for a long time in an effort to reduce wait times at TSA checkpoints,” American spokeswoman Tracey Polly told Patch. “We want our customers to have the very best experience passing through the airports where we operate, and that includes the amount of time it takes to clear security.”

American Airlines hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami will also get automated security screening lanes and upgraded screening technology this fall.

Because of the long wait times, some airports around the country were considering getting rid of the TSA and hiring private security to screen passengers.

The TSA said it is continuing to work with industry and law enforcement to “provide more effective and efficient security for travelers on all modes of travel.”

“Our responsibility is to keep passengers safe but also moving through security,” Neffenger said.

Photo courtesy of the TSA