Why You Still Need to Take Your Laptop Out at Airport Security
Airports have been a source of stress for travellers in recent years, with long lines and security checks becoming the norm. Among the many inconveniences is the request to remove laptops from bags during screening. But why is this necessary, and how has airport security evolved over the years?
A Post-9/11 World
The transformation of airport security began after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when terrorist attacks forever changed air travel. Before 9/11, travellers could carry almost anything in their carry-on bags, including potential weapons. The attackers on 9/11 exploited these lax security measures to bring weapons on board.
In the aftermath of the attacks, airports worldwide implemented stricter security procedures. Private security contractors, often paid minimum wage, were replaced in the U.S. by federalized programs with highly trained security personnel. Items that could be considered weapons were prohibited.
Travellers suddenly found themselves required to remove shoes, belts, outerwear, phones, laptops, liquids, and other potential threats during security checks. This practice continued for several years, but eventually, more advanced screening methods were developed to identify specific threats, leading some countries to relax certain measures, such as removing shoes.
Why the Laptop Hassle?
When it comes to removing laptops from bags, the primary reason is related to the screening technology used. Airport scanners are X-ray machines, and laptops, with their dense batteries and mechanical components, can obstruct X-rays. Older scanning systems, in particular, struggle to penetrate laptops effectively, along with power cords, tablets, and cameras.
Having laptops and similar devices in a bag makes it challenging for security officials to assess the potential risks from the screened image alone. Instead, they must flag the bag for a physical search, slowing down the process. Removing all devices in advance streamlines the procedure.
Additionally, a laptop inside a bag could hide other items that may pose a danger. Scanning the laptop separately allows security personnel to view its internal components and ensure it is a functioning computer. In some cases, travellers may be asked to turn on their laptops as proof.
Newer multi-view scanning technology enables security officials to examine bags from various angles, making it easier to detect concealed items or attempts to disguise prohibited objects.
The Future of Airport Security
Advancements in AI and airport scanning technology hold the promise of transforming airport security. AI systems could significantly speed up threat detection in scanned images, reducing the need for human reviewers. Some airports already use advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners that produce high-definition 3D imagery.
