Tri-Cities Airport urges passengers to arrive early due to new scanner installation
Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville is taking delivery of new tomography X-ray scanners that will result in a learning curve for agents and changes for passengers before boarding.
Airport director Gene Cossey urges fliers to arrive two hours before their flight to accommodate the changes and the installation of the scanners which produce 3D images to improve security checks and provide convenience for some passengers.
The work will result in one lane of screening being closed down from Apr. 24 through May 5.
Here is the statement issued by the airport on Tuesday:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its use of state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanners at security checkpoints nationwide, and brand new units are heading to Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in the coming weeks.
The installation of the new CT scanners is scheduled to begin on April 24th and last until May 5th, with one lane closed each week. During this time, throughput rates at the TSA checkpoint will be decreased due to the TSA officer/passenger learning curve associated with the install, as well as any construction work.
The new CT scanners generate a 3-D image of the contents of the carry-on bags using a sophisticated algorithm, which will offer improved detection capabilities and greater passenger convenience by allowing laptops, electronics such as cell phones and iPads, and 3-1-1 compliant LGAs to remain in carry-on bags. This new technology will also reduce the need for secondary bag checks and allows TSA officers to better view the contents of the bag. However, to comply with operating requirements of the CT scanner system, every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening, and items cannot be placed directly on the X-ray belt. Oversized bags can no longer be accommodated through the smaller opening to the X-ray tunnel on the CT unit. TSA officers will be available to assist passengers with these new procedures.
“We understand that the installation of the new CT scanners at our TSA checkpoint may cause some inconvenience for our passengers. However, we strongly urge everyone to plan ahead and arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time. If you do not show up early, it’s very possible you may miss your flight,” said Gene Cossey, Executive Director at Tri-Cities Airport.
In addition, we want to remind passengers that gate checking bags will no longer be allowed. If passengers are checking bags, they will need to do so at the airline counter, which closes 45 minutes before scheduled departure time. We encourage all passengers to plan ahead accordingly.
We will keep our passengers informed about the progress of the installation and any updates related to security checkpoint procedures.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this installation period, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our security measures for all passengers. We look forward to continuing to provide a safe and efficient travel experience for all our passengers. Thank you for choosing Tri-Cities Airport as your preferred airport,” said Cossey.
(IMAGE: From the files of Pixabay)
