Airport Security After 9/11

Airport Security Before and After September 11, 2001

Airports and airlines have seen a lot of changes over the years. Many new air routes have been added leading to more one-way flights which make for easier travel. Timetables were the best way to look up your flight dates and times before the internet really evolved in the 1990s. Airports are like small cities these days with restaurants and bars, chapels, retail stores and spas. Technologies have upgraded, making air travel more comfortable and enjoyable with reclining seats and in-flight movies. As our worlds technologies, have changed flight still is the fastest and safest way to travel. One department that has made huge strides is the security department, especially after the worst terrorist

These security measures were implanted in November 2001 so they would be intact before the holiday season which is always a busy time for the airport. Homeland Security developed the Transportation Security Administration which took over conducting airport security checkpoints as oppose to private screening companies. A valid boarding pass was required to pass through security which meant you could no longer meet family and friends directly at the gate. Each passenger was required to remove their shoes so they could be X-rayed for possible explosives and weapons. It was also enforced that laptops were to be removed from their bags and place in a separate screening bin and sent through the x-ray machine. Other procedures included hand inspections for prohibited items such as but not limited to knives, razors, and the weapon of choice on 9/11, the box cutter. Greater pre-screening of passengers began taking place and air marshals were placed on more flights throughout the United

New protocols set in place slowed down security lines, especially when people were adjusting to them. Arriving to the airport a few hours before your scheduled departure time was now essential since a passenger never knew if they could be selected for a random search. Random carry-on bags were also searched more and aided in delays. With new procedures, also came new technologies that helped to execute thorough screenings. High Tec, advanced imaginary machines were installed in 2007 that were used for advanced passenger scanning. Currently there are 488 of these machines in 78 U.S. airports but have raised some privacy concerns over the years. Devices that were explosive trace detectors, or known more widely as “puffers”, were beginning to be phased by the Transportation Security Administration in 2008 due to high maintenance costs. These devices puffed air at passengers to aid in detecting explosive substances and unauthorized chemicals. One of the biggest inconveniences that many Americans took for granted is being able to carry fluids on an aircraft. The Transportation Security Administration will only allow quart size store bags containing 3.4 travel size containers of shampoos, conditioners, gels and pastes. This is because of possible explosive chemicals terrorist can bring able the plane, however, there is no limit for checked