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3-D Security Technology Now Being Used At Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in 2017.

American Airlines announced last year it was partnering with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to install and test new state of the art CT scanners at one of the their security checkpoints at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

The CT scanner is now installed and located in one checkpoint lane of Terminal 4. It became operational on Thursday.

Unlike a traditional screening conveyor belt, the CT scanner will shoot hundreds of images with a X-ray camera that spins around the item to provide TSA officials with a 3-D image of a carry-on to ensure it does not contain any threat.

Ross Feinstein with American Airlines said the pilot program should not create any disturbance in the security line for customers.

“They might not even notice a difference,” he said. “But passengers may be asked by a Transportation Security Officer to test out the new equipment as TSA is testing it for the first time ever.”

And despite this being a pilot program, American Airlines is confident in both the technology and Sky Harbor.

“The checkpoints are really well laid out here at the airport. We have a great collaboration with the Airport Authority, as well. So, we thought, Sky Harbor was a great choice. And we know that the TSA agreed with that as well.  

In the future, the 3-D technology will also make it possible for passengers to leave their liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags, which will help make the security line move a little faster.

Katherine Fritcke was a morning producer at KJZZ from 2015 to 2017.