Houston City Council approves TSA equipment for new IAH International Terminal

The equipment will be used by TSA to screen passengers in a brand new 17-lane security checkpoint, one of the largest in the U.S.

Houston City Council unanimously approved two ordinances that appropriate funding for the purchase of equipment for the new Mickey Leland International Terminal, currently under construction at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

One of the crown jewels of the new IAH International Terminal will be an International Central Processor (ICP). The new facility will house ticket counters, baggage claim, and a 17-lane security checkpoint that will be one of the largest in the country. The lanes, along with state-of-the-art technology, will deliver world-class customer service by providing a safe, secure and efficient experience as passengers clear security.

“Houston Airports strives to get passengers through TSA Security in 20 minutes or less. We meet that goal at Bush Airport more than 90% of the time,” confirmed Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “This investment in innovative technology will enhance our efficiency and ensure that our passengers have a world-class experience each time they visit our airports.”

The first ordinance appropriates $11.8 million from the airports improvement fund for the purchase, installation, training and continued maintenance of nine new Scarabee checkpoint property screening systems (CPSS) automated screening lanes. 

• This equipment will screen luggage and personal items brought through the TSA checkpoint 
• According to TSA, the CPSS Lanes provide 3D images of luggage and its contents
• The CPSS Lanes will help TSA reduce the number of bag searches required 
• Travellers will be able to leave their tablets/electronics and liquids in carry-on luggage
• Each CPSS Lane is capable of screening more than 100 additional passengers and baggage per hour than existing equipment 

The second ordinance appropriates $1.2 million from the airports improvement fund for the purchase, installation, training and continued maintenance of six advanced imaging technology (AIT) quick personnel security scanners. 

• The walk-thru AIT Scanners screen people using millimetre wave technology to automatically detect potentially dangerous items carried on the body or clothing 
• The AIT scanners provide an improved passenger experience by not requiring passengers to raise their arms 
• Each scanner is capable of screening 100 more passengers than existing equipment
• The new scan time of 1 to 2 seconds is the same time it takes a human to blink once

“These new security screening machines are faster, have fewer false alarms and have improved detection rates, which creates a safer experience for our passengers and airlines,” said Juan Sanchez, Federal Security Director for TSA at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.  

The technology will be in place in time for Houston to host the 2026 World Cup, strengthening Houston’s position as a potential ‘home base’ for soccer fans who seek to travel across North America for various World Cup matches.