"TSA"

During 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a total of 6,737 firearms at airport security checkpoints. Disturbingly, 93% of the firearms intercepted before they got aboard an aircraft were loaded.

One critical aspect of the US aviation security framework is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a key player in averting potential threats.

In 2023, the TSA faced a significant challenge as it intercepted a record-breaking number of firearms at airport security checkpoints throughout the year, surpassing the previous record and marking the highest one-year total in the agency’s history.

Loaded Risks

A staggering 93% of the intercepted firearms were loaded, introducing an unnecessary peril to both passengers and TSA personnel.

This concerning statistic highlights the crucial need for enhanced awareness and adherence to regulations.

[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]

Historical Context

The 2023 record-breaking figure outpaced the previous year’s total of 6,542 firearms. TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed his concern, stating,

“We are still seeing far too many firearms at TSA checkpoints,” emphasizing the pressing need for vigilance in adhering to security protocols.

TSA Protocols and Passenger Responsibilities

Prohibited Items

Firearms and ammunition hold a strict prohibition in carry-on baggage, underlining the importance of passengers being well-informed about what items are permissible.

Proper Packing

Passengers are allowed to travel with an unloaded firearm, provided it is securely packed in a locked, hard-sided case within their checked baggage.

It is imperative for travelers to declare the firearm at the check-in counter.

Passenger Screening

Statistical Shift

Despite the record-breaking number of interceptions, TSA’s screening efficiency is evident in the data.

In 2023, with over 858 million individuals screened, the agency intercepted 7.8 firearms per million passengers, showcasing a decrease from 8.6 per million passengers in the preceding year.

Daily Vigilance

The fourth quarter of 2023 witnessed Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) averting an average of 18 firearms daily at TSA checkpoints, with nearly 93% of them being loaded.

This daily vigilance set amid the relatively high numbers of discoveries underscores the persistent efforts to maintain a secure air travel environment.

Response to Security Breaches

Upon detecting a firearm at a security checkpoint, TSOs promptly collaborate with local law enforcement.

This partnership ensures the swift removal of the passenger and the firearm from the checkpoint area, complying with local laws and regulations.

Consequences for Violations

Apart from potential legal action, TSA imposes fines on passengers violating firearm regulations, with civil penalties reaching up to approximately $15,000.

Additionally, such incidents lead to the revocation of TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years, emphasizing the severity of non-compliance.

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.

Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!

As the winter holiday travel season approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for increased passenger volumes and busier airport security checkpoints.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske assures travelers that the agency is well-prepared to handle the surge, attributing their success to teamwork, meticulous planning, and innovative checkpoint technologies.

Record-Breaking Thanksgiving

TSA’s readiness for the holiday season is supported by recent achievements. During last month’s 12-day Thanksgiving holiday period, TSA screened nearly 30 million passengers.

This set a new record for the most passengers screened in a single day—more than 2.9 million on November 26.

Anticipating Holiday Rush

The official end-of-year holiday travel period kicks off on Thursday, December 21, and extends through Tuesday, January 2.

TSA projects that the busiest days will be Thursday, December 21, Friday, December 29, and Monday, January 1, with an estimated 6% increase in daily passenger screenings compared to 2022.

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.

Last year’s busiest day saw TSA screening nearly 2.4 million passengers on December 29.

Top Tips for Smooth Travel

As passengers prepare for holiday journeys, TSA offers essential tips to ensure seamless travel through the heightened security measures:

1. Pack Smart from the Start:
   • Begin packing with an empty bag to reduce the risk of carrying prohibited items through security.
   • Check the TSA website or text @AskTSA to confirm if an item is prohibited.
   • Adhere to the 3.4-ounce liquids rule limitation for items that can spill, spray, spread, pump, or pour.
2. Early Arrival is Key:
   • Arrive at least two hours before your scheduled flight to accommodate parking, rental car returns, public transit or rideshare use, and security checks.
3. ID Matters:
   • Have an acceptable form of identification ready in the screening lane.
   • Consider upgrading your ID to a REAL ID for compliance with new regulations starting May 7, 2025.
   • Experience the streamlined identity verification process with TSA’s advanced Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units.
4. Gifts and Security:
   • Use easily opened gift bags or gift boxes with removable lids when traveling with gifts.
   • Fully wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection if necessary.
   • Consider placing unwrapped gifts in checked bags.

1. Firearms Travel Protocol:
   • Declare firearms at the airline ticket counter, ensuring they are unloaded and securely packed in checked baggage.
2. Embrace New Screening Technology:
   • Be aware of airports using Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, allowing 3-D imaging of carry-on items.
   • Passengers in lanes with CT units may enjoy expedited screening without removing 3-1-1 liquids or laptops.
3. TSA PreCheck for Expedited Screening:
   • Enroll in TSA PreCheck for faster checkpoint screening, costing as little as $78 for a five-year membership.
   • TSA PreCheck members typically experience wait times of less than five minutes at security checkpoints.

1. Request Passenger Support in Advance:
   • Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions can call TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 72 hours before travel for assistance and information.
2. Connect with TSA via Text or Social Media:
   • Receive real-time assistance by texting questions to #275-872 (“AskTSA”) or through @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.
   • Additional support is available through the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
3. Follow TSO Guidance:

• Pay attention to TSA officers (TSOs) for directions at security checkpoints.
• Follow guidance from Customs and Border Protection officers upon returning to the United States.

By heeding these top tips, travelers can navigate the winter holiday travel season with ease, ensuring a smooth journey through bustling airports and contributing to a positive and secure travel experience.

TSA’s commitment to efficiency, innovation, and passenger safety aligns seamlessly with the cooperative efforts of holiday travelers. Safe travels!

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.

Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!

Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd [TSXV: SCAN], has received a contract from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with a total value of $3.86 Million to upgrade the screening technology in the full body scanners at US airports.

Liberty is a leading technology provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based next generation detection solutions for protecting secure locations against prohibited weapons and other threats.

The company is also concurrently working with the TSA on a technology that is increasingly being tested at airports for employee screening called HEXWAVE.

Toronto Pearson, Canada’s largest airport, has already purchased the HEXWAVE system, and several other trials are underway with Denver International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, the Port of Oakland, and a New Hampshire-based Regional Airport

The Role of HEXWAVE

Beyond its established expertise, Liberty Defense Holdings is concurrently collaborating with the TSA on a groundbreaking technology known as HEXWAVE.

This revolutionary technology employs the potent combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and millimeter-wave technology to identify dangerous or prohibited items.

[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]

What sets HEXWAVE apart is its unique ability to detect not just metallic objects but also concealed non-metal items, including plastic 3D-printed guns, powders, and liquids. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in airport security technology.

Unveiling the TSA Contract

The TSA contract awarded to Liberty Defense Holdings is valued at $1.25 million, with additional options that can bring the total value to an impressive $3.86 million.

The core purpose of this Research and Development contract is to equip the TSA with Open Architecture (OA) software, comprehensive engineering development, and the advancement of the High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) Wideband Upgrade Kit.

This kit is poised to offer enhanced detection capabilities and an improved passenger experience, enhancing the overall airport security landscape.

The Significance of Open Architecture

To understand the full impact of this contract, it’s essential to grasp the concept of Open Architecture (OA).

Open Architecture is a technology-design approach that relies on widely accepted standards to ensure interoperability across various tools and platforms.

This approach facilitates seamless communication and collaboration, irrespective of the technology’s designer, manufacturer, or supplier.

By adopting Open Architecture, the TSA aims to bolster its On-Person Screening program, with the goal of detecting an expanding range of threats while minimizing false alarms and reducing physical contact.

Statement from Liberty’s Leadership

Michael Lanzaro, President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Liberty Defense Holdings, expressed the company’s gratitude for receiving the TSA award.

He emphasized that this achievement underscores Liberty’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the TSA’s capability to detect emerging and evolving threats concealed on individuals.

Moreover, it aims to achieve this while optimizing screening resources at airport checkpoints.

Lanzaro highlighted Liberty’s primary focus on delivering superior threat detection performance, encompassing the identification of both metallic and non-metallic threats.

This will be accomplished through an open-standards people screening solution, driven by next-generation AI and millimeter-wave imaging.

The HD-AIT Upgrade Kit, which is part of the contract, will provide advanced threat detection capabilities and enable the TSA to collaborate with third-party providers to introduce additional operational capabilities at airport checkpoints.

The Future of Airport Security

Lanzaro expressed excitement about the TSA’s vision for the future of airport security. He affirmed Liberty’s commitment to breaking away from the conventional approach of offering proprietary security screening solutions to the aviation and commercial markets.

This strategic shift towards open-standards solutions is poised to redefine the landscape of airport security technology.

It’s worth noting that Liberty Defense Holdings previously licensed millimeter wave-based High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) body scanner and shoe screener technologies in March 2021.

These technologies were initially developed by researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration.

 Liberty is now taking these technologies in-house, utilizing its experienced team of engineers to further advance and innovate in this critical field.

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.