Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have announced the installation of three new computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanner is underway in the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) security checkpoint.
Installation of the new equipment will occur in a phased approach, with one new lane being equipped weekly over the next month. Once each lane is modified and completes certification, it will open for screening before installation of the next lane begins.
During the project, only two security screening lanes will be in operation and passengers are urged to arrive to the terminal at least two hours prior to scheduled departure times.
The new CT scanners will be used to screen travelers’ carry-on luggage in the security checkpoints. CT units apply a sophisticated algorithm as they generate a 3-D image of the contents of the carry-on bag. A TSA officer can manipulate the 3-D X-ray image on-screen to allow for a better view of the bag’s contents, ultimately reducing the number of bag checks that are required.
When a carry-on bag is screened through a CT scanner, travelers can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics larger than a cell phone and food. The opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit so TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel, but to ask a TSA officer for assistance. Another feature of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.
“Use of CT technology at our security checkpoints is a win-win for TSA and passengers,” said Beth Walker, TSA Federal Security Director for AVL. “We get increased detection capability which leads to fewer bag checks, and passengers get to leave their electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in their bags.”