The IATA showed off what may be the future of checkpoints at it’s annual conference in Singapore. The system is comprised of three, 20-foot long detectors. There is one for “known travelers,” one for high-risk flyers, and one for everyone else. Instead of passengers all moving through the same checkpoint the new system uses eye scanners and biometric chips to verify passenger identities and analyze their personal history, before dividing them into groups. People who complete and pass government background checks would go through the express lane with their carry-on luggage, while those deemed risky would have to undergo a more intensive, full-body scan within the “Enhanced” security lane. The rest of us would be directed to the “Normal” detector, which would automatically scan us for liquids, metals and anything else banned for travel by airline security. The IATA says this risk-based approach would reduce security lines and lower airport costs, but it would still require governments to share data on their own citizens, which could pose a major hurdle to widespread adoption. For now, the IATA and governmental agencies are still working out the details and have yet to announce a pilot program. Check out the vid below for a look at the system in action.
