TSA installs new automated screening lanes with computed tomography scanners at MSY Airport checkpoint in time for the busy holiday season and the Super Bowl

Local Press Release

Friday, October 18, 2024

New Orleans - With the busy holiday season starting next month and the Super Bowl in February, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) are preparing for high passenger volumes with several innovations including new security equipment.

TSA is installing 11 new automated screening lanes (ASLs) with Computed Tomography (CT) scanners at the airport checkpoint to enhance security efficiency and decrease the amount of time travelers spend in the security screening process. Installation of the lanes began several months ago and is ongoing.Once complete, the new equipment will allow for two extra lanes during the busy Super Bowl departures period, bringing the total from 15 to 17 lanes.

"We are happy to have incorporated innovative technology in New Orleans to improve the passenger experience while raising our security posture," said Arden Hudson, TSA's Federal Security Director for the state of Louisiana. "The new screening lanes offer enhanced security as well as an expedited screening experience."

"With the increase in passenger activity in the coming months as New Orleans continues to be a premier destination for travelers, we are grateful to our partners with the TSA for investing in new equipment to help improve efficiency and safety at MSY," said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for MSY. "This recent improvement is an example of what happens when we work together with our stakeholders to ensure a positive passenger experience-especially ahead of holidays and major events like the Super Bowl."

The CT scanners provide a clear 3-D image of the contents of a traveler's carry-on bag. Using a touch-screen monitor, TSA officers can rotate the image to get a more complete view of what is inside each bag. In doing so, TSA officers are able to better identify items inside a bag, which results in fewer bags needing to be pulled aside and opened. The 3-D images also enable TSA to better and more quickly identify any threat items that might be contained in carry-on bags.

The ASLs include several new features designed to improve the screening process for travelers going through the security checkpoint including:

• Four divesting countertops per lane designed specifically to enable up to four passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously;
• Automated and powered conveyor rollers that move bins into the X-ray machine tunnel and then feed the bins back to the front of the security checkpoint;
• Automatic diversion of any carry-on bag that may contain a prohibited item to a secure conveyor belt, which allows other bins containing other travelers' belongings to continue through the screening process uninterrupted;
• Bins that are 25 percent larger than a typical bin and are able to hold a carry-on suitcase;
• Unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on each bin, which provides additional accountability of a traveler's carry-on property as they move throughout the security screening process;
• Cameras that capture digital images of the contents of each bin and are linked side-by-side to the X-ray image of a carry-on bag's contents to easily match a bag to its X-ray image.

Two changes in procedures are that all items including carry-on suitcases must be placed in a bin and your electronics, 3-1-1 liquid, gels and aerosol compliant bags, and computers may remain inside your carry-ons as they go through the screening machines.

Travelers have multiple ways to find out if an item is permitted in a carry-on bag. You can download the free myTSA app, which has a handy "What can I bring?" feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly in carry-on or checked bags or neither. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may also send a question by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).

TSA also reminds travelers that starting on May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver's license to fly within the United States, make sure you have a REAL IDor another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if you have a REAL ID, check with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. For questions on acceptable IDs, visit TSA's web site."Put REAL ID on your summer to do list," Hudson recommended.

Travelers can contact TSA with questions by sending a text directly to 275-872 ("AskTSA") on any mobile device or over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24/7.

Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSA officer who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Carespassenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

###