The answer to laptop bans?

The TSA’s latest baggage screening technology for checked baggage uses computed tomography to provide three-dimensional images of bags and their contents to detect possible threat items. 

The TSA’s current screening technology for carry-on bags uses two-dimensional images at checkpoints. The 3D images provide a greater capability and as such, the TSA has been working with vendors to develop and reduce in size the CT 3D technology that could be installed at checkpoints: as they stand, the units are too big.

The technology derives from the medical sector and TSA is working with L3 Communications and Integrated Defense & Security Solutions to pilot this new CT 3D screening equipment at checkpoints. A limited pilot of the equipment got underway in one screening lane at Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport and one screening lane at Logan International airport beginning in the month of June 2017.

Mike England is National Spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.

“At this point we do not have an exact time table for the adoption of the new devices or whether they will some day eliminate current laptop and liquids protocols/restrictions. TSA will build specific requirements through these pilot programnes in the future, qualifying the machines for everyday use.”

PRM statistics not healthy

The Government Accountability Office has revealed that the number of complaints levied against airlines by disabled travellers has doubled in the space of ten years and now totals over 30,000 a year. The number of disability complaints filed with the department also rose in that same period, escalating from 511 to 944.

Since 2005, the department says that it has investigated 51 cases involving disabilities. In this context, enforcement actions have included warning letters or consent orders for corrective action.

These findings rather fly in the face of 12 of the airlines which were studied, all of which have been adamant that they have repeated training programmes for helping disadvantaged customers.