New security checkpoint at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport.
PULLMAN, Washington - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today previewed the new security checkpoint in the new airport terminal at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW). The checkpoint, which is located in the new terminal lobby, has one lane to screen departing travelers with space to expand to a second lane in the future.
“TSA is excited to begin security screening at the new PUW terminal. We have worked closely with the airport on the design of the security checkpoint to ensure it provides an ideal environment for TSA officers carry-out their important role in airport operations,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Greg Hawko. “Thank you to the airport board for investing in TSA that will allow us to deliver the highest level of security in the most efficient manner."
TSA began screening passengers in the new terminal at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, ahead of the inaugural flight that departed shortly after 5 a.m. The terminal has been under construction for two years and is six times larger than the building it is replacing.
The security checkpoint features expanded queuing space for travelers. There is also a dedicated TSA PreCheck® entrance as well as an area for general screening. There is one travel document checking podium where a TSA officer will conduct identity verification of travelers. In addition, travelers will notice a bright and more open space in the security checkpoint.
Travelers will see familiar security technologies in use when being screened at PUW.
Passenger screening technologies
The checkpoint is outfitted with a body scanner as well as a walk-through metal detector to screen individual travelers. Body scanners use a harmless electromagnetic wave to scan the passenger to detect metallic or non-metallic objects that may be concealed in layers of clothing or on the body. The body scanner is equipped with software that creates a standardized, computer generated image that is the same for every traveler. If the body scanner detects a potential security threat, a yellow box appears on the generic image, onscreen, and that identifies where the TSA officer needs to conduct any follow-up screening.
Because the body scanner is not a metal detector, many travelers including those with metal hips or knee replacements prefer to be screened by it. In addition, the body scanner does not use x-ray technology and it does not generate x-ray specific images of any traveler.
Bottle liquid scanner
TSA allows travelers to bring medically-necessary liquids in carry-on luggage in quantities larger than 100 ml / 3.4 ounces. In order to ensure that these items do not pose a security threat, TSA utilizes a liquid explosive detection system, which uses lasers to measure the density of the liquid without having to open the container. This type of screening takes seconds and can be used to screen liquids and gels.
Explosive trace detection screening
TSOs may conduct explosive trace detection (ETD) screening that involves a swab of a traveler’s hands or their belongings in the security checkpoint. The swab is inserted into a specially- programmed ETD unit that can detect even the smallest amount of explosive residue. TSA has a process in place to resolve any alarms related to the detection of explosive residue.
Checked baggage screening
TSA is required by law to screen every bag that is transported on a commercial aircraft, regardless of whether the bag travels in the cabin of the aircraft as carry-on luggage or if it is checked with the airline. The checked baggage screening system at PUW has been upgraded and features an integrated Explosive Detection System (EDS) X-ray unit that uses computed tomography to create a 3-D X-ray image of the contents of each checked bag. This screening is conducted out of the view of the traveling public.
The EDS software is programmed to detect potential security threats. Through a sophisticated and swift analysis of the 3-D image, the EDS is able to determine whether the bag is cleared for travel or if it requires follow-up screening.
If the EDS unit identifies a potential security threat, the image of the contents of the bag will be reviewed to determine if the bag is cleared to travel or if it needs to be sent for a physical inspection by a TSA officer. If a bag requires physical inspection, that screening is conducted in clear view of a closed-circuit television camera.
Travelers receive a “Notice of Inspection” in the bag if it has been opened by a TSA officer. Once the bag is cleared of any security threats and ready for travel, it is repacked and closed prior to handoff to the airline.
The vast majority of bags screened by the EDS do not require additional screening. If a bag is cleared by the EDS, it continues onto an aircraft without any TSA contact.
In 2023, TSA at PUW screened nearly 66,000 departing travelers.