Automated security lanes bring future closer than ever

Denver International Airport (DEN) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have unveiled two new Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs) which use state-of-the-art technology to enhance security and move passengers through the checkpoint more efficiently.

Airport CEO Kim Day said: “We are grateful for our strong partnership with TSA, which allowed us to be one of the first airports to install this screening system. By having the ASLs installed now, we can get a small glimpse into the future of our passenger security screening at DEN and test the technology before implementing it as part of the new and improved Great Hall.”

The automated screening lanes offer several new features designed to improve the screening process for travellers, including:

• Stainless steel counter tops designed specifically to enable multiple passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously and allows more experienced passengers to pass those that need more time
• 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, allowing other travellers’ belongings to continue through the screening process uninterrupted 
• Bins that are 25 per cent larger than a typical bin and are able to hold a roll-aboard suitcase
• Unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are attached to each bin, allowing for additional accountability of a traveller’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.

Larry Nau, TSA Federal Security Director for Colorado said: “Our strong partnership with Kim Day and her team here at Denver International has made it possible to install these new lanes, which enhance security by utilising the newest technology available and enabling TSA officers to spend more time looking for threats and less time on the manual labour of moving bins around the security checkpoint. Passengers will like the more efficient screening process, supporting a smoother, faster screening experience for all travellers.”

The two ASL lanes will be in use at the north security checkpoint until security screening is relocated in fall 2020. When completed, the security screening checkpoints on Level 6 will feature ASL technology and other improvements to enhance security and streamline the screening process.

The new security lanes are part of the Great Hall renovation project which will enhance security, provide a more flexible and open airline check-in space and add new dining and shopping options. It will also increase capacity of the terminal, update the ageing facility and improve the overall passenger experience. The Great Hall project is scheduled to be complete in late 2021.