https://www.businesstraveller.com/bu...r-us-airports/

Self screening? Doesn't that suggest a failure by TSA to develope a screening process that is both efficient and friendly?

This passage further suggests the failure of TSA:

I am not seeing how that can possible work. There are too many variables.

Actually, there is existing thread.

TSA tests new screening technology at McCarran International Airport

TSA has already installed new checkpoint of the future at McCarran International Airport, Denver International Airport and a few other airports, as well.

Yes for those with TSA Pre and those seemed low risk I wouldn't doubt it.

There are some elements of this that will most likely make it into the checkpoints at *some* point in the future. There will still be spots where human interaction will be required, but the self screening thought process has been around for a long time. I have seen the one suggested model where there is the integrated tunnel/hallway system that passengers simply walk down the hall with their bags and everything is screened without direct involvement or interaction - simply walk single file and a certain distance apart. If there is an alarm, the individual is met at the end of the hall, and undergoes additional screening as needed. I will freely admit, that is a fairly Pollyanna way of hoping, but I would love to see the tech reach a point where that is the norm. The biometric systems are currently in development for GE and Pre, and Airline crews - although the way it comes down, YMMV after the development phase. There are tons of technologies out there that would be a leap forward in efficiency and customer experience, one problem is that many of them do not scale to use in the checkpoint environment (dust, varying temps, etc).

If self screening becomes a thing,does that mean we can pat ourselves down?

If that happens I could do without watching self crotch groping. We know TSA gropes crotches even while lying about doing it.

"Officer, that man is touching himself!"
"No, he's just checking his genitals for explosives. A lot"

This sounds like the TSA's version of what the CBP is trying to do: free up more front-line employees so they can do more invasive checks of whichever travelers its employees want to pick on at the time to hassle and maybe even harass.

I think screener-less checkpoints with a real LEO standing at the end of the cattle chute would work just fine. Post-9/11, passengers learned THEY are the first line of defense, starting on 9/11 with United flt 93. All you'd need is a passenger-loading baggage x-ray machine with screens for all to see and a good 'ol fashioned metal detector. In such a setup, you better believe Joe Public would go screaming to the LEO if the metal detector went off or someone saw something screwy on the x-ray screens. This is a case where I think the random members of the public (including many who are well-versed on weapons and dangerous items) would probably easily beat the TSA's abysmal performance on detecting threats.

Remember, the TSA is *mandated by Congress* to spend money on new equipment every year, whether it's needed / wanted or not. There's a trail of failed machines (puffers, backscatter, x-ray machines etc.) which the TSA has pissed away money on over the years, so they have to come up with new ways to handled the mandated spend.

Also, remember, none of this will ever happen. The TSA drones are federal employees, unionized no less. The chances of reducing their numbers is nil.

Huh?
The future is a computer determining whether you are safe.

The first rule of government agencies is self preservation, the second is to grow larger and larger. TSA will take no actions that reduces manpower unless directed to do so by Congress.