Reducing the Density of People in Unsecured Areas (Areas in Which
Baggage Has Not Been Inspected or Areas Near Uninspected Vehicles).
Eliminating lines at baggage check-in is very effective because the existing
lines create an attractive target where a terrorist could bring a substantial
bomb concealed in luggage with little risk of arousing suspicion.
Similarly, lines outside terminals are attractive targets for vehicle bombs.
Reducing the density of people in terminals is also effective against
suicide bombers and other attacks in the terminals (the most significant
recent event at an LAX terminal was perpetrated with a handgun).
It is perhaps surprising that the costs of eliminating check-in lines is quite
modest, according to our assessments. Overall airport efficiency,
including the operations of LAWA, airlines, and the TSA is not
significantly enhanced by having people stand in line. The amount of
actual work required to check bags and related activities remains the same
whether people have waited or not. Substantial reduction of lines can be
implemented immediately with small changes to airline and TSA staffing
policies. Having two additional people checking in bags during rush
periods would dramatically reduce the lines. This was our strongest
recommendation.