The Transportation Security Administration is committed to increasing the number of next-gen CT scanning devices at airport nationwide.
The TSA is testing the3D X-ray machines at 13 airports and initially said it would install 145 at airports.
It now expects to buy at least 200 of the machines within a year.
"I’ve watched them in operation. They are a significant enhancement in security effectiveness. And I’ve also watched passengers actually self-align behind the CT machines because it’s a better passenger experience," said TSA administartor David Pekoske.
The CT scans can instantaneously generate dozens of images of a bag’s contents from different angles compared to just two using current X-ray machines.
The new machines will also enable a quicker flow of passengers as they are not required to remove as many items from their carry-on bags, Pekoske said.
The agency also plans to cut out manual verification of boarding passes at screening lines with the installation of new readers which can automatically scan a traveler’s’ passport or drivers’ license.
This will be matched to a confirmed flight booking and screened against a watch list.
It plans to buy nearly 300 of these new machines.
