AIRPORT SECURITY LINES - 2/3/11

How can the airport security lines be comprehensively redesigned to best serve the traveling public? 

What are the current challenges with the security process? 

• Manual checking, human interaction required
• Long lines due to limits of human speed
• Clumsy and cumbersome activities
• No one-size-fits-all solution
• Everyone carries different things - different quantities, sizes and shapes of personal belongings
• Start with all together/spread it all out/repack so all is together again
• Undress/redress
• Know which things go in bins, which things need to be separated from the other things, which clothing to remove
• Extra challenging for families with small children/strollers; elderly; medical implants/pacemakers; wheelchairs
• The current security process was established in the past 10 years – most airports were built several decades ago, and thus are trying to fit a long, linear process into a short space.

What are some of the physical requirements of the process?

• Space to walk through for identity check from TSA agent
• Agent podium with light, desktop to view boarding pass and ID
• Space to undress, unpack, rearrange all of your belongings
• Roller belt to send your belongings through x-ray
• Security gate to walk through yourself
• Conveyor Belt to collect your belongings on the other end and reassemble
• Space on “back end” for TSA agents to physically search a passenger with unique issues
• Stand-up x-ray machines being introduced in some airports
• Benches or chairs to use to retie shoes, rearrange belongings, etc.
• Space to redress/reassemble.

What are some of the regulatory issues affecting design?

• TSA agent must manually check your ID
• Other TSA agents must be present in case a physical search is required.
• Other TSA agent is reviewing your belongings as they move past on the conveyor to make sure you are bringing the acceptable items, they are separated properly for scanning. 
• Other TSA agent waves you through the security scanner or directs you on the proper stance for the stand-up x-ray. 
• Liquids and gels must be in a quart sized baggie, and cannot exceed 3 ounces each.
• Laptops must be separated and placed in their own bin.
• Shoes must be removed.
• Bulky sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, scarves must be removed.
• Typically belts and large pieces of jewelry, including metal watches, must be removed.
• Pockets must be clear of keys, change, cell phones, etc.
• Beverages are not allowed unless they are baby formula or milk; prescription drugs in their labeled containers, etc.
• People with special needs can request physical search in lieu of walking thru the scanner.

Small brain-dump of security concepts:

• IDEA 1

What if the process was automated and when you picked up your boarding pass or when you walked into the airport, you ran your boarding pass through a scanner and they told you which checkpoint to go to?  Once at the line, you scanned your boarding pass and ID and got into the line.  (That would give you time to say goodbye to loved ones in between, etc.)

Then – what if the line was equipped with a tiered cart that you could place your bag onto and reallocate laptops, liquids, etc. as you walked toward the scanner.   There would be a place for your shoes in the bin, and a place to hang your coat or sweater.  You would simply walk next to your cart and then pick it up on the other side of the scanner.  No messy bins or balancing acts trying to pull your laptop out of your bag as you are taking off your shoes and coat.

On the other side of the security line, the cart would have a conveyor that sent it to the front of the line. 

• IDEA 2
  What if there were smiling happy greeters and they were there to assist you (especially the first-timers)?
  What if there was a moderate speed conveyor that you could walk next to the whole time through security?  After going past the TSA agent, you immediately had a conveyor to place your belongings on and start to unravel them.  You could have a less stressful and physically challenging event, since you would reduce the balancing-act part of the process.  Currently, the belts on the lobby side of the security line are much shorter than on the gate side. 
  
  What if there was a special line for infrequent travelers that gave them a “how to” guidance along the way?  Basically, a tutorial as you walked next to the conveyor.  For each item, they would push an “okay” button as they did the task.  (Place your laptop in its own bin.  “okay” now, make sure all liquids and gels are placed in a bin … etc.)
  What if after you passed through security there was a lounge space that you could stop and catch your breath instead of running through, and feeling pressured to collect everything as fast as you can?