As the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration rolls out large fleets of new airport scanners that are designed to make it easier on travelers, there are reports that they may be slowing operations instead.
The new scanners, based on CT, or computed tomography rather than traditional X-rays, give agents a more accurate look at what passengers are carrying, eliminating the need to take laptops, liquids and more out of bags. TSA has installed 678 CT machines in 218 airports, and will install 1,200 more over the summer.
The problem that’s being reported is that they are somewhat slower in operation in part because everything, including carry-on suitcases, must be put in a bin and in part because agents are still learning to read the new type of images. As a result, some passengers report, there are now lines of cleared passengers waiting for their bags to be returned.
A TSA spokesperson told reporters that “New technology has a definite ‘burn in’ period for passengers and TSA officers to become adept at using it. Famiiarization over time will further enhance the efficiency of the units.”
