Worry-Free Travel: 5 Ways Airport Safety Has Improved Over the Years
Each day, there are approximately 45,000 flights worldwide. With staggering numbers like that, you may wonder about safety.
After 9/11, airports have made several improvements to limit airport security problems. Wondering how airport safety has improved over time?
We’ve got you covered. Keep reading about these new airport safety measures to keep passengers safe.
1. Powerful Body Scanners
You all know about the scanners as you walk through security, but the newest scanners can recognize even more potential threats without people needing to hold still or remove clothing. It also speeds up the process of scanning.
The images use body heat to see if there is a threat. It uses computer learning to determine if there is a threat.
2. Upgrading Technology Screening for Narcotics and Explosives
In addition to scanning passengers, checked luggage is scanned more regularly for explosives or weapons. There are machines in airport lobbies to do an initial scan.
Some airports use narcotic detection services with highly trained dogs to check for explosives and narcotics. This is another layer of security on top of the initial screening.
People now have to remove shoes to go through scanners, and there is a limit of one carry-on and one personal item per traveler. This limits the number of items to scan, and you will have to remove electronics to scan separately for security inspections.
3. Introducing E-Passports
E-passports are one of the largest scale advances in airport security in recent years. These passports are also known as biometric passports. They contain a chip that airport machines can scan around the world.
This significantly reduces the amount of work from the airport staff. These chips also eliminate the risk of human error. This helps improve the speed of security as well, making security run quicker and safer too.
With the pandemic, using these machines also creates a contactless way to move forward through security.
4. Facial Recognition Software
In addition to e-passports, facial recognition software matches the scan of your face to ensure it matches your passport.
This process is just beginning, and down the road, you may be able to check-in, send your bags, and board a flight without needing your actual passport—just your face! This would all be possible with technology and using facial recognition cameras throughout the airport.
5. Aircraft Protection
While the airport has improved security, the aircraft themselves have improved security to keep you safe in the sky. The cockpit is now clearly sealed off, and pilots are locked behind doors that are impregnable for the entire flight.
The air marshal workforce has also been beefed up for added security. Before 9/11, there were fewer than 100 air marshals. The number has increased tremendously, even though numbers are not disclosed since this job is classified, but estimates show they may be around 4,000-5,000 air marshals.
Learn More About Airport Safety
As you get ready to travel, it’s important that you review your airport safety practices, especially now during a pandemic. All airports will list their airport sanitation practices.
As technology continues to evolve, so will airport security measures. So, be sure you stay up with the latest airline procedures.
Looking to plan a trip? Keep checking out our site for more advice on traveling and how you can get to your destination safely.
