TSA Installing Checkpoint CT Scanners
#1
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TSA Installing Checkpoint CT Scanners
The technology is already used for screening checked luggage, but the cost and larger size of the CT scanners has held back their use for carry-on bags. TSA had expected to begin testing CT scanners for carry-on luggage by the end of 2016.CT scanners create a 3-D image that can be rotated to give screeners a better look. Suspicious bags can be pulled aside and opened by screeners.American Airlines, which is participating in the test, said the technology could let passengers leave laptops, liquids and aerosols in their carry-on bags, speeding up the trip through the airport.The test comes as U.S. officials scramble to deal with potential new threats, including reports that terrorists are developing bombs that can be disguised as laptop batteries.
(bolding mine)
Such fortunate coincidental timing. TSA planned to start testing the devices in 2016, just when coincidentally new threats emerged.
If the new CT scanners can clear laptops, liquids and aerosols, does anyone really believe we will be allowed to leave those items in our bags?
Because if we are, then the only reason for anyone to pay for the Precheck lottery would be if they wanted to pay $85 to keep their shoes on.
#2
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If these scanners are so great for checked baggage, why are so many bags opened by TSA, contents strewn around and bottles/jars opened and then not properly reclosed?
What will prove the CT units are useful at checkpoints is if they result in far, far fewer bag checks.
What will prove the CT units are useful at checkpoints is if they result in far, far fewer bag checks.
Last edited by petaluma1; Jun 16, 2017 at 4:02 pm
#3
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It will be interesting to see how the rate of false positives with checkpoint CTs compares to the number of false positives generated by the checked bag CTs and by the NoS. If the latter two are anything to go by, there will still be plenty of bag searches.
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Seems our dollars would be much better spent by investing in medical devices to treat medical problems.
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More bag searches = more opportunities to find drugs and large amounts of cash.
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And TSA would say "Sign up for precheck if you don't like the scanner."
Last edited by sunshinekid; Jun 17, 2017 at 3:05 pm
#10
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Is there a reason to believe that TSA equipment is suppose to only alarm dangerous items? A system that alarms on just about everything by design, can't really be said to have false positives. A vague system creates a great defense against legal complaints.
And TSA would say "Sign up for precheck if you don't like the scanner."
And TSA would say "Sign up for precheck if you don't like the scanner."
AFAIK, all xrays will be replaced with CT scanners (more money). There will be no exemption for Precheck.
If anything, if these machines perform as advertised, the value of Precheck will be diminished because all pax will be able to leave their laptops and LGAs in their bags. The only advantage to Precheck will be keeping (some) shoes and outerwear on and possibly a dedicated line.
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#13
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Yeah, I wouldn't want to be working around them. The reason they have never been suitable is because in medical and baggage screening applications, they are very large because of all the shielding.
Now we've got a super-duper 3-D version conveniently ready to roll out juussssttt when a threat surfaces that requires this kind of technology, and it also conveniently can be safely shielded in a much tinier footprint than ever before.
Besides, we know how well the puffers weren't maintained.
Now we've got a super-duper 3-D version conveniently ready to roll out juussssttt when a threat surfaces that requires this kind of technology, and it also conveniently can be safely shielded in a much tinier footprint than ever before.
Besides, we know how well the puffers weren't maintained.
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#15
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Will somebody please explain to me how these CT scanners are going to be able to determine if a liquid is explosive. Is use of these screeners going to mean that parents will no longer have to either open all their baby foods or face being sexually assaulted by TSA?