Federal Securit Director for Vermont, Chuck Woyat described what the new security screening area means to TSA, BTV and Vermont during Thursday’s press conference. (TSA Photo)
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – A new, more convenient passenger security checkpoint is ready for operation at Burlington International Airport (BTV). The new checkpoint will enhance the security checkpoint experience for travelers going through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening process.
The new more modern checkpoint is part of a massive, $19 million Terminal Integration Project that was funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The new checkpoint includes four new security screening lanes and was designed and constructed with input from TSA. The focus of the project is to improve security, enhance the efficiency of the screening process and increase the passenger queueing area to support additional passenger throughput.
The four new screening lanes now contain state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners in the security checkpoint.
“CT technology uses a sophisticated algorithm to analyze the content of the bag and will allow TSA officers to rotate the image and ascertain that no threats are contained in the bag without needing to open the suitcase,” said Chuck Woyat, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Vermont. “Reducing the number of bags that need a visual inspection improves the security experience.”
TSA officers will start screening passengers at the new integrated security checkpoint on Tuesday, October 11 at 4:00 am.
When the CTs are in use, travelers do not need to remove electronics or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage. The opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, so TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel, but instead, ask a TSA officer for assistance. TSA also recommends that larger carry-on items be checked with the airline. Another feature of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.
TSA officers at BTV are currently screening around 2,200 people a day, so the new security screening checkpoint comes just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday rush. Last year during the holiday, TSA officers screened up to 2,400 passengers a day.
Travel advice
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:
Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.
Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind and more secure.
Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Gels, liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule. Anything in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should travel in checked baggage.
Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags and make sure they are not bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to contact @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to get answers to your travel questions.
Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Extra time may be needed for parking, airline check-in and in the security checkpoint. BTV airport officials recommend arriving two hours prior to departure. There is no substitute for arriving early and being prepared.