BEAVER, W.Va. – A state-of-the art Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) unit is now in use at the Transpiration Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint at Raleigh County Memorial Airport.
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units safely and without physical contact screens travelers for both metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons, explosives and other objects that may be concealed under layers of clothing. The technology uses millimeter wave technology, which is safe and meets national health and safety standards.
“The use of AITs is an enhancement of TSA’s ongoing efforts to improve the passenger experience while improving security operations,” said John C. Allen, TSA’s Federal Security Director for West Virginia. “The new unit was installed earlier this month and already is making a positive impact in our checkpoint.”
The AIT uses automated target recognition software that eliminates passenger-specific images and instead auto-detects potential threats by indicating their location on a generic cookie-cutter outline of a person. The generic outline is identical for all passengers. The unit streamlines the checkpoint screening process and significantly reduces the frequence of full-body pat downs.
The checkpoint at Raleigh also features a computed tomography (CT) checkpoint scanner that provides TSA officers with the three-dimensional views of the contents of a carry-on bag. This technology upgrade allows passengers to leave laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags.
In addition to technology upgrades, passengers also play an important role in TSA’s security mission. As the summer travel season kicks off, TSA reminds travelers of steps they can take to get through the checkpoint quickly and efficiently.
Pack smart; start with empty bags. Airline passengers who pack for travel by starting to pack from an empty bag are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. The AIT unit helps reduce the need for physical contact with TSA officers, but those who take time to come prepared for the TSA checkpoint are far more likely to avoid delay and physical contact.
Know before you go. Airports, like highways, have high traffic surges and construction delays. Plan to arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate. At the TSA checkpoint, have your REAL ID license or REAL ID compliant alternative form of identification readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less.
There is also still time to enroll now in TSA PreCheck® to “Travel with Ease” before the busy summer travel season. By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, airline passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Most new enrollees receive their known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.
Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).