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Security Technologies

Technology Used for Passenger Screening, Baggage Screening and More

Photo of a Innovation and Technology
Innovation & Technology | Security Technologies | Documents
Industry Resources | Frequently Asked Questions
Advanced Imaging Technology | Biometrics | Bottled Liquids Scanners
CastScope | Explosive Detection System | Explosives Trace Detection
Paperless Boarding Pass | Threat Image Projection

Credential Authentication Technology - Boarding Pass Scanning System

TSA is currently piloting a new document authentication technology that verifies the authenticity of a passenger’s boarding pass and identification documents, while also ensuring the names on each document match.

The technology determines whether identification documents presented at the checkpoint are authentic, fraudulent, or expired.

This technology will provide TSA Officers with enhanced detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent and/or invalid passenger identification documents and boarding passes at the security checkpoint.

The technology is currently being tested at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). It will also be tested Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in the coming weeks.

Read TSA’s press releases:

Advanced Imaging Technology

Biometrics

Graphic of a biometric eye scan

Retinal scans. Fingerprint identification. A few years ago these things seemed like something out of a science fiction movie. Today, they are becoming an important parts of our risk-based approach to security.

Biometric identification allows us to verify a person is who they say they are by using their own unique set of identifiers - fingerprints, iris scans or a combination of the two. We continue to test this technology at airports and harbors across the country, allowing us to control access to important facilities.

Bottled Liquids Scanners

Photo of a TSO using a FIDO XT

Bottled liquids scanner (BLS) screening systems are used across the nation by Transportation Security Officers to detect potential liquid or gel threats which may be contained in a passenger's property. The technology differentiates liquid explosives from common, benign liquids and is used primarily to screen medically necessary liquids in quantities larger than three ounces.

Next generation bottled liquids scanner systems have the ability to detect a wider range of explosive materials and use light waves to screen sealed containers for explosive liquids. TSA has deployed more than 1000 next generation BLS units to airports nationwide. TSA is currently testing new liquid screening systems with enhanced detection capabilities and use light waves to screen sealed containers for explosive liquids.

Following the disruption of the UK/US airline bombing plot in August 2006, TSA issued new rules that, with a few exceptions, effectively banned liquids, gels, and aerosols on aircraft. After conducting extensive research, TSA determined small amounts of liquids are not a threat. On September 26, 2006, TSA permitted small amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols in travel size containers, and exempted baby formula/milk/juices, medicines, and other medically-required liquids.

CastScope

Photo of TSO screening a passenger using a CastScope

CastScope technology provides security officers with a means to ensure that a cast or prosthetic does not contain a concealed threat while maintaining the dignity and privacy of the passenger. TSA began deploying CastScope machines to several major airports nationwide in 2008.

CastScope was deployed to airports based on the airport's proximity to military hospitals or large rehabilitation facilities that serve amputees, sporting events for disability groups, vacation destinations utilized by amputees, as well as airports that see large volumes of military severely injured.

TSA worked closely with special interest groups, such as the Amputee Coalition of America to determine best practices, operational suitability and modify the technology so that it best meets the needs of the traveling public. When TSA piloted CastScope in 2007, passengers with prosthetics, casts, and braces participated on a voluntary basis.

Explosive Detection System

Photo of EDS machine

Ever wonder what happens to your bag once you check it with your airline? We screen every bag placed on an airplane, whether taken as carry-on or checked with an airline. With nearly 2 million people flying each day, it's a Herculean task.

We are able to meet this requirement by using Explosive Detection System (EDS) machines, which work like the CT machines in a doctor's office. Through a sophisticated analysis of each checked bag, the EDS machines can quickly capture an image of a single bag and determine if a bag contains a potential threat item . If a bag requires additional screening, it may be automatically diverted to a resolution room where security officers will quickly inspect it to ensure it doesn’t contain a threat item. Once cleared, the bag is reintroduced to the system, where it continues onto the aircraft. In some cases, the alarm is quickly resolved and in others law enforcement and/or the bomb squad may be called in.

When used in conjunction with an airport's automated inline baggage handling system, we achieve dramatic improvements in both security and efficiency.

Explosives Trace Detection

Photo of a Explosives Trace Detection TSO and Machine

Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) is technology used at security checkpoints around the country to screen baggage and passengers for traces of explosives. Officers may swab a piece of carry-on or checked baggage or a passenger’s hands and then place the swab inside the ETD unit to analyze it for the presence of potential explosive residue.

In 2010, TSA expanded its use of ETD technology in airports as part of our layered approach to aviation security and to keep passengers safe.

Passengers may experience screening of their hands using an ETD swab at the security checkpoint, in the checkpoint queue, or boarding areas. To ensure the health of travelers, screening swabs are disposed of after each use. Since ETD technology is used on a random basis, passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport or each time they travel.

Read TSA’s press release: TSA Expands Use of Explosives Trace Detection Technology at Airports Nationwide

Paperless Boarding Pass

Photo of a TSO scanning a passenger's Paperless Boarding Pass on her BlackBerry

The paperless boarding pass pilot enables passengers to download their boarding pass on their cell phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs). This innovative approach streamlines the customer experience while heightening the ability to detect fraudulent boarding passes. Each paperless boarding pass is displayed as an encrypted two-dimensional bar code along with passenger and flight information. TSA security officers use scanners to validate the authenticity of the boarding pass at the checkpoint.

As of April 2011, the pilot was operating at 89 U.S. airports with seven airlines: Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, United, US Airways, and Virgin America.

Due to the rapid expansion of the program, airlines may offer paperless boarding pass at additional airports before they are added to this list. Airlines will make this option available when passengers choose their method of boarding pass delivery.

U.S. Airports

How It Works

Photo of a TSO scanning a man's Paperless Boarding Pass on his BlackBerry The electronic boarding pass contains a two-dimensional (2-D) barcode encrypted with specific passenger information, such as the traveler's name and flight information.

At the checkpoint, a TSA travel document checking officer will instruct the passenger on how to scan their cell phone or PDA so that TSA can verify the authenticity of the boarding pass. Passengers will still be required to show photo identification so officers can validate that the name on the boarding pass matches the name on the ID.

Threat Image Projection (TIP)

Photo of a woman handing luggage to a TSO

In addition to classroom training, we use on-the-job training to keep our security officers' skills sharp. Through the daily use of Threat Image Projection (TIP) software program, our security officers are routinely tested on their ability to detect weapons and explosives by X-ray. Potential threats, including guns and explosives, are projected onto X-ray images of carry-on bags so our security officers remain focused and attentive.

These tests allow us to evaluate individual performance and shape our training programs appropriately. Because our X-ray equipment is linked to a vast internal network, every airport and X-ray monitor receives automatic image updates from the technology lab. This link allows us to quickly upgrade our technology using the latest intelligence on potential and emerging threats and convey it to security officers across the nation.