TSA Self-Service Screening

Have you seen the recent news about the TSA self-service screening lanes? Yes, you read that correctly: self-service. TSA is currently in the testing phase of a "self-checkout" concept of their airport security lanes with the hopes that this will speed up lines in the future should they expand this pilot program.

Key Things to Know

1. Only at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas

2. Limited to those with TSA PreCheck at the moment

3. Video call with a live agent if you have questions

The following clip from ABC News/Good Morning America walks you through the process for going through these special TSA self-service screening lanes and provides additional details.

ABC News/GMA

Now that you that you're a bit more informed about this new concept, let's talk about the potential pros and cons of the TSA self-service screening.

Pros

• Can ease frustrations of people who know how to get through the lines (no more waiting on others to figure things out)

• Potential to speed up airport security lines as self-service screening becomes a norm

• Helps TSA with managing staffing issues

Cons

• Travelers have to get comfortable with the technology and process for getting through these lines

• Currently only in one airport rather than testing at multiple airports of varying sizes and number of daily or annual travelers

• Travelers must be prepared for security screening or delays will be the same as usual (see my Travel Tips posts for more on how to prepare)

• Technology malfunctions -- delays and long lines aren't preventable

Final Thoughts

So, what is the likelihood that the TSA self-service screening option expands to other airports? It's definitely too early to tell. If anything, I see this "self-checkout" method continuing to only be available for those with TSA PreCheck as an added perk. If you're not familiar with TSA PreCheck, you read my TSA PreCheck post where I explain how the program works.

Traditional TSA Screening

If TSA does expand their self-service screening to other airports without limiting the lanes to those with TSA PreCheck, then I image it will be modeled after self-checkout at grocery stores which limit the number of items at checkout. Maybe they limit the self-service lanes to travelers who only have a single carry-on with them or to those traveling in groups with three or fewer people -- or maybe just for solo travelers.

I think the main thing will be understanding what the ultimate goal of TSA is with self-service screening. Do they want to speed up the lines for travelers, address their staffing issues, or both? Only time and feedback will tell what the future holds for TSA self-service screening. In the meantime, I think this warrants yet another trip to Las Vegas for me to blog about so I can make the most of my TSA PreCheck and test out these "self-checkout" TSA lanes!

Feel free to leave comments below, tweet/post (@KimiThoughts), or leave a post/message on Facebook (@KimisTravelThoughts) and to share your thoughts on TSA self-service screening and if you have used it before, want to use it, or plan to use it!