New technology for TSA could reduce airport wait times during this busy summer of travel
In anticipation of the busiest summer travel season since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transportation Security Administration has expanded digital screening operations to assist air travel volume expected to meet or exceed levels not seen since 2019.
The agency hopes enhanced screening operations and the deployment of nearly 50,000 TSA agents will not only reduce security wait times for travelers but also minimize the spread of COVID-19, particularly as Americans take to the skies for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
"Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints show that people are traveling again, and TSA is ready for their return," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a press statement on May 10. "Our airport security checkpoints include 47,500 highly-trained security professionals and new technologies that enhance security and reduce physical contact."
In a proactive response to assumed passenger traffic, the agency has reportedly quadrupled the number of TSA employees who are ready and able to fill in at airports where long lines arise, including nearly 1,000 employees who allegedly volunteered to be sent to other airports as needed, according to reporting by AP.
Most recently, the TSA deployed two new technologies at airport screening checkpoints to reduce the amount of physical contact between TSA agents, passengers and their carry-on luggage. That includes computed tomography units at more than 160 airports nationwide that allow for digital verification of carry-on bags.
This new technology means TSA officers are able to review a 3D image of passengers' bags, reducing the need to physically search a bag's contents. What's more, passengers screened in lanes with the CT technology do not need to remove their liquids or electronics, further speeding up the time it takes to get through security.
"The new CT units are currently being installed at Billings Logan International Airport in Montana, Albany International Airport in New York, Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina," the TSA confirmed in a press release. The agency also confirmed that additional CT scanners will be installed at checkpoints throughout the summer.
Additionally, TSA deployed Credential Authentication Technology at more than 175 airports, more than half of which are modified and equipped to digitally verify a passenger's boarding pass is consistent with the information listed on their driver's license or passport.
Beyond implementing these new technological measures designed to provide a smooth security experience among travelers, TSA also advised travelers to arrive early at the airport to ensure you have enough time to check in, check bags if necessary and complete the entire security screening process ahead of your flight.
Airlines generally recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled international flight or two hours before a domestic flight. Travelers can also verify anticipated security wait times ahead of travel via the MyTSA app or iFly.com.
As the TSA continues to invest in more agents and technological improvements, the most consistent way to expedite your way through TSA security is by enrolling in TSA PreCheck. With it, passengers are directed to a PreCheck-specific lane in which they do not have to remove their shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops or light jackets.
In April, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes at the checkpoint, according to data provided by the TSA.
Read more: 12 key things to know about TSA PreCheck
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.