New Airport Software Means Shorter Lines, Less Intrusive
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A recent upgrade at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport allows passengers to make their way through security in a quicker and less intrusive manner.
It's the same equipment, just different software. Now the Advanced Imaging Technology machines show a generic outline of a person instead of passenger specific images.
"These machines safely screen passengers for both metallic and non-metallic items including weapons, explosives and all of it without physical contact," said Minnesota's Federal Security Director Tom Connor.
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"If anomalies are detected on the passenger, a generic computer generated outline of a person will appear on the monitor, highlighting any areas on the passenger that need additional screening," said Connor. "If no anomalies are detected the word 'OK' appears on the computer screen and the passenger is clear to travel."
Airport officials view it as a win-win situation for all involved.
"This is going to be better security, better throughput, less invasive, less intrusive of the public and I think everyone is going to appreciate the fact that we have this new technology at MSP," said Tim Anderson of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
The advanced screening remains optional, though approximately 98 percent of passengers directed toward the machine choose to use it.
There are roughly 500 AIT machines in 78 U.S. airports. The software upgrade and installation cost approximately $2.7 million.
