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Automated Screening Lanes

Automated Screening Lanes now at Checkpoint 5 and 2!

Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs) are a state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that enhances security efficiency while decreasing the amount of time travelers spend during the security screening process. ASLs automate some of the manual processes carried out by the TSA officer and the passenger, increasing security effectiveness and speeding the passenger through the checkpoint.

These lanes are currently in airports in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Houston, Newark, Seattle and Atlanta. More ASLs will be coming soon to Checkpoint 4 in mid-June and Checkpoint 1 will add another lane by early July, for TSA PreCheck travelers.

Some tips and tricks for pre-divesture for ASLs from TSA:

  • Passengers can use any station available
  • Bins are located below the passenger’s kneesTSA Video Tutorial
  • Remove electronics larger than cell phone
  • No stacking /covering of electronics in the bin
  • Slide the bin forward when ready
  • Passengers can use multiple bins as needed
  • Roller bags and carry ons must go in a bin
  • Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels must be removed and in a clear bag following the 3-1-1 liquids rules

ASLs offer several new features, including:

  • Stainless steel countertops designed specifically to enable several passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously;
  • Automated conveyor belts that move bins into the X-ray machine tunnel and return the bins to the front of the security checkpoint;
  • Automatic diversion of any carry-on bag that may contain a prohibited item; this diversion to a separate location allows other bins containing other travelers’ belongings to continue through the screening process uninterrupted;
  • Bins that are 25 percent larger than a typical bin and are able to hold a roll-board bag;
  • Unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are attached to each bin, allowing for additional accountability of a traveler’s carry-on property as they move throughout the security screening process;Cameras that capture photographic images of the contents of each bin and are linked side-by-side to the X-ray image of a carry-on bag’s contents.

Interested in checking live checkpoint wait times?

We upgraded checkpoint technology with infra-red sensors that provide more accurate, real-time wait times. Download the Sea-Tac Airport App, available now for free on iPhone and Android!

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