Self-checkout annoys many grocery shoppers and causes problems that are prompting numerous major retailers to pull back on using it. But that’s not stopping the Transportation Security Administration from testing a self-service screening system at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas later this month.
TSA PreCheck passengers at LAS “will be the first travelers to have the option to use the new system starting in mid-March, when the testing begins,” said a TSA news release.
“The prototype has a video monitor that provides step-by-step instructions for passengers to complete screening at their own pace,” it added.
After passengers complete “the required screening process and are cleared for travel, automated exit doors open so travelers can gather their belongings and head to their flights.”
Full story: The TSA’s new experiment: Self-service security checks | CNN Business
Self-checkout in airports can cause a major problem. As we know with grocery self checkout allows for more room for those with foul intentions to commit more crimes getting away with stealing. A lot of research and testing is going to be needed for the equipment to create a sense of safety and reliability. TSA was put in place after the 9/11 tragic incident to avoid future attacks taking into consideration the safety of United States citizens. Also this would be taking away employment opportunities for those who work in TSA. Airports are known for their busy and fast paced environments and adding this tool could make things worse.
Rebeca, I agree with your perspective on this issue. The idea of allowing self checkouts goes against a lot of what we have the TSA for. The main goal is to prevent possible harm to air travel and those who are using it, and we need people to facilitate this safety. Any computer system in the world can be influenced, hacked, or otherwise messed with, and self checkouts would be subject to this. Without a person from TSA observing and checking baggage, a criminal could sneak a weapon through the self checkout, and inflict harm on others. Overall, this is likely a financial decision for the TSA, but it may be a step in the wrong direction.
Implementing self-checkout in airports can cause several risks, It can cause theft and security breaches. A lot of research is needed to understand and ensure the reliability and safety of the equipment. TSA was made after 911 to make citizen safety a priority and self-checkouts must align with citizens safety. This could also threaten job opportunities when it comes to TSA. Given airports are as hectic as they are adding self-checkout could prove to be pretty bad and challenging. Balancing safety with citizens’ convenience and maintaining effective airport operations.
I believe that TSA agents will still be present to monitor and assist at the self check out stations similar to how in grocery stores there are still employees present for the same reasons. But i digress as things can still occur, TSA’s main goal according to their website is to “Protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” With doing some sort of fast check on people’s items may provide a smoother and faster way to get people on their flights there could be some sort of hazard such as a hacking or something similar that would allow a criminal/terrorist to board a plane with their weapons to threaten a flight and cause destruction similar to 9/11. However we already see electronics on display like the X ray scanners or the metal detectors with TSA agents present and just verifying the items in people’s bags on screen and letting them through the metal detectors so perhaps it won’t be as nerve racking as it sounds, only time will tell.
Alejandro, I agree with your statement. Yes, time will tell. The main question I brought up with the experiment is whether you are potentially taking away jobs from Americans in the future. With new advancements within our society we need to think in the long run of the American people and what is best for them. What’s best for them right now TSA’s new experimental Self-service checks or keeping TSA agents? While the new experimental Self-service checks will make check-ins faster, faster isn’t better in all cases. In the case of faster isn’t always better, how does it prevent someone from hiding weapons?
With TSA’s new experimental Self-service checks, how can a person be truly checked for weapons? While this new experiment sounds promising how does it prevent someone from hiding weapons? With a TSA agent checking bags, this prevents people from trying to hide prohibited items such as weapons. With this new experiment, you are also potentially taking away jobs from Americans in the future. With new advancements within our society we need to think in the long run of the American people and what is best for them. What’s best for them right now TSA’s new experimental Self-service checks or keeping TSA agents?