Computed tomography units in the security checkpoint at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in Guam.
GUAM, Guam - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today provided an overview of the technologies used for security screening of travelers at Antonio B. Won Pat Guam International Airport (GUM).
Over the past few years, TSA has deployed state-of-the-art equipment at GUM to enhance security capabilities while increasing screening efficiencies. The technology can be seen by travelers departing GUM.
“As part of TSA’s mission to seamlessly deliver the highest level of transportation security to the traveling public, we have deployed various technologies to airports, regardless of size or location,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the Pacific Nanea Vasta. “The TSA team at GUM is proud of the job it does every day to keep Guamanians and visitors alike safe and secure during their travels.
Computed tomography X-ray scanner
Computed tomography X-ray scanners are used in the security checkpoint to screen travelers’ carry-on luggage. This type of scanner provides advanced explosive detection capabilities by applying a sophisticated algorithm to generate a 3-D image of the contents of the carry-on bag.
A TSA officer can view and rotate the X-ray image for a thorough visual image analysis on-screen. By getting a better view of the contents of the bag, the TSA officer (TSO) is able to resolve potential security threats on-screen, ultimately reducing the number of bag checks that are required.
When a carry-on bag is screened through a CT scanner, travelers can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics larger than a cell phone and travel-size liquids. Every item screened through a CT scanner system must be placed in a bin for screening.
There are currently more than 770 CT scanners in use at more than 230 airports nationwide including GUM. TSA continues to install CT scanners in airports of all sizes across the country.
CT technology has been used by TSA in checked baggage operations for several years. As technology has evolved, newer CT units have a smaller footprint, allowing them to be used in space constrained security checkpoint environments.
Credential Authentication Technology
Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) automates the identity verification process of travelers entering the security checkpoint. A TSO scans the traveler’s government-issued photo identification into the CAT unit, which is programmed to verify the traveler’s identity and flight information on-screen. Because CAT is linked to the Secure Flight database through a secure Internet connection, it verifies the individual is ticketed for travel and notes the type of screening (such as TSA PreCheck®) that the traveler is eligible for, all without the traveler presenting a boarding pass to the TSO.
CAT plays an important role in travel document verification. It improves a TSO’s ability to authenticate a photo ID while also detecting forms of identification that are counterfeit or fraudulent.
Several hundred types of photo ID including passports, state or territory-issued driver licenses and identification cards, as well as U.S. and foreign passports can be read by a CAT unit. Today, there are more than 2,050 CAT units in use at more than 225 airports.
Explosive detection screening
TSA uses a variety of technology and techniques to screen for explosives, which are the greatest threat to aviation. In the security checkpoint, travelers may see TSA officers conducting Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) on passengers’ carry-on items or on the passengers themselves. Specially programmed ETD units can detect even the smallest amount of explosive residue.
Bottle liquid scanner
TSA has a liquid explosive detection system in place to screen travelers’ medically necessary liquids in carry-on luggage that exceed 100 ml / 3.4 ounces. The system uses lasers to measure the density of the liquid without having to open the container. This type of screening takes seconds and can screen liquids and gels to ensure they do not pose a security threat.
Prohibited items and travel tips
TSA continues to remind travelers that they are TSA’s best partner to ensure a smooth and efficient security screening process.
- Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags prior to leaving home. Ensure that carry-ons do not contain prohibited items since it will disrupt the security screening process. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
- Use your time wisely in the security checkpoint queue. 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.
- Have your photo ID ready. Don’t wait until you approach the TSA officer who is checking IDs to look for it.
- Listen for guidance from TSA officers. It is important to listen to the direction provided at the security checkpoint. GUM has security screening technologies in use that allow travelers not to present a boarding pass during the travel document checking process or allow travelers to leave all items in their carry-on luggage as it is screened. Listen for directions that will make for a more streamlined, convenient and time-saving passenger experience.
- Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Sunscreen, creams, bug spray and other liquids and aerosols are limited to 100 ml / 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. If a traveler brings liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA will have to conduct a bag check, which slows the screening process for that traveler and everyone in line behind them. Any liquids in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces should be packed in checked baggage.
- Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. Shoes that lace up and extend up your leg will slow you down. Slip-on shoes are best. And, do yourself a favor: wear socks!