Award To Fund New Checked Baggage Screening Systems

The Transportation Security Administration announced Sept. 13 that Rochester International Airport (RST) has been awarded $938,000 for the construction of  new in-line baggage handling systems to enhance TSA's efforts to strengthen airport security.

"We look forward to working with the airport on the construction of two in-line baggage screening systems, which will both strengthen security and make the screening process faster and more efficient," said Federal Security Director Tom Connors.

The award will be used to construct the new systems at the Delta and American Eagle ticket counters. The in-line baggage handling systems will serve the more than 320,000 passengers traveling through Rochester International each year. When completed, RST will have 100 percent in-line screening.

"This project will streamline the ticketing and boarding process for all RST passengers and is the result of the successful partnership between the Rochester International Airport and the TSA," said Airport Manager Steven W. Leqve.

According to a TSA press release, in-line baggage handling systems use state-of-the-art technology to quickly screen baggage for explosives while streamlining the ticketing and boarding process. This eliminates the need for passengers to walk checked baggage to a screening location before proceeding to the security checkpoint. Additionally, the systems provide on-screen resolution capabilities for security officers screening baggage which reduces the number of re-scans and physical bag searches.

FMI: www.tsa.gov