ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A new, spacious, bright, passenger security checkpoint is now in operation at the Greater Rochester International Airport, enhancing the passenger experience for travelers who are passing through the Transportation Security Administration security screening process.
The new modern security checkpoint, built by Monroe County, has been expanded by approximately 40 percent and maintains six security screening lanes including one lane that will serve TSA Pre✓® travelers. The new checkpoint was designed and constructed with input from TSA in an effort to improve security, enhance the efficiency of the screening process and increase the passenger queueing area to support additional passenger throughput.
The new area also includes two private screening rooms for passengers, a TSA supervisor’s office and an adjacent training room for TSA officers.
“This new checkpoint will result in a much more pleasant security screening experience for passengers and TSA officers alike,” said TSA Federal Security Director Bart R. Johnson, who pointed out that the renovation allows more space for travelers to get into the queue and additional space to maneuver their carry-on bags into the security screening lanes.
“Today we celebrate reaching a major milestone in our airport renovation project by unveiling the new spacious, six-lane passenger security checkpoint,” said Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo, who pointed out that the airport has seen an 8 percent increase in the number of passengers coming through the airport.
The new checkpoint includes an overhead welcoming sign along with highly visible overhead LED passenger wayfinding signage that directs travelers to TSA Pre✓® lanes and standard screening lanes. An enhanced architectural ceiling design element incorporates a blue ribbon that assists in guiding passengers from the airline ticketing counters through the checkpoint and into the secure side of the checkpoint where passengers can access their departing gates.
The airport also will be installing new technology that will assist travelers with hearing impairments when they arrive at the TSA document checking podium. The technology uses an antenna system called T-coil capability that allows the security officer to speak into a microphone, which amplifies the officer’s voice within a six-foot area that can be picked up by the traveler’s hearing aid device to allow for better one-on-one communication between the officer and the passenger.
“I congratulate Interim Airport Director Andy Moore for overseeing the extensive relocation of the checkpoint, which is a critical part of the airport modernization,” Johnson said.