The TSA is currently testing a new scanner. And if this new scanner is widely adopted, you can keep your stuff in your carry-on bag.
Per CNN, the TSA is planning on piloting new scanners at up to 40 airports across the nation this year. These new scanners rely on computed tomography (CT) technology to inspect passengers’ carry-on bags. And, unlike current X-ray based scanners that can only produce 2D images, the CT-based scanners can create 3D images. This difference is, apparently, enough to allow passengers to leave their liquids and electronics in their bags.
Initial Airports
Though the TSA says they’ll deploy the machines at up to 40 units by the end of the year, they’ve only released a list of 15 for the first round of deployments. And the airports receiving the initial 15 units are:
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Cincinnati/North Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Philidelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Why Wait?
You don’t have to wait for these new machines to leave your stuff in your bag, though. This is already a benefit for those with TSA Pre-Check. And let me tell you, as someone that travels electronics heavy (as does Jeff and Mrs. J), being able to leave your electronics in your bag is a huge time saver.
But, I wouldn’t enroll in TSA Pre-Check on its own. Instead, you should opt to join another program that has TSA Pre-Check as a benefit. For example, Global Entry would be one such program. It’s only $15 more than TSA Pre-Check too ($100 versus $85). Plus, many, many cards come with Global Entry fee reimbursements, such as the Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum.
You Can Keep Your Stuff in Your Carry-On, Final Thoughts
Hopefully, these new machines help to make the security circus a faster experience. It’s such a hassle to have to take your stuff out like that, especially if you carry a lot of large electronics. And while having TSA Pre-Check does help, it isn’t 100%. Sometimes the lanes aren’t open or what not, so these machines might still help members of those programs too.
My only concern, though, is that these machines actually slow things down. Medical CT scanners aren’t exactly the quickest things around, so we’ll have to wait and see. And then there’s the risk of increased radiation exposure. I’m not so much worried about myself, as I’m sure the machines are properly shielded. But I’d be concerned about the effects of radiation on sensitive electronics. A spine X-ray, for example, exposes a person to about 1.5 mSv, while an abdominal and pelvic CT scan exposes one to 10 mSv.