American Airlines is working with Transportation Security Administration to launch new passenger screening methods at some of the nation’s busiest airports.
The joint initiative will see the installation of new automated screening lanes and the use of CT scanners at American Airlines hubs nationwide later this year.
Initiatives include belts that return bins back to the front of x-ray machines, property bins that are 25% larger than those currently being used, and separate lanes which a potential suspicious bag can be fed to without interrupting the flow of bags directly behind.
It will be trialed at Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Miami.
In addition American’s Phoenix hub will deploy CT scanning technology in late 2016.
3D CT technology may also allow passengers to leave liquids and laptops inside carry-on bags while being scanned.
"We are proud to be working collaboratively with the TSA to support next generation screening technology at five of our hubs this fall," said American’s chief operating officer Robert Isom.
"These state-of-the-art lanes, along with new detection technology that will be tested in Phoenix, will enhance security effectiveness and efficiency, while improving the customer experience. On behalf of our team members who are working to take care of customers every day, we appreciate the TSA’s partnership in implementing these new innovative technologies."
"To ensure that we remain up-to-date in an evolving threat environment, TSA continues to test and deploy state-of-the-art technologies. This collaboration with American Airlines is an important step in enhancing the traveler experience while maintaining effective security," said TSA administrator Peter V. Neffenger.
Officials believe these new initiatives could help reduce wait times by as much as 30% over time.
