'Self screening' may be coming to a TSA security line near you

The TSA is testing a system that would allow PreCheck passengers to complete the security screening process with little to no assistance.

The Screening at Speed team along with the TSA, who are also partnering with the Department of Homeland Security, are giving the public a virtual reality walkthrough of the self-screening system at CES 2024.

The idea is to reduce the number of interactions and pat-downs as well as bag inspections performed by transportation security officers to free them up for busier parts of screening operations. It also lets you move through checkpoints at your own pace without feeling rushed.

The self-service screening pods will be for TSA PreCheck passengers to use as individual screening consoles. They come equipped with a carry-on screening system to check bags for any prohibited items -- for instance, weapons or liquids exceeding the maximum ounce capacity. It also has a panel that screens the passenger. If you need assistance, there's a button to press to ask a transportation security officer for help.

When a passenger steps inside the screening pod, they'll show their ID and then the machine will begin scanning them and their bags. Each station includes a video monitor with step-by-step instructions.

There are automated entry and exit doors. So if someone doesn't pass the screening on the first go -- maybe they forgot to pull keys out of their pocket -- the entry door will reopen so they can remove the items and get re-screened.

The exit door will not open until the passenger passes inspection. Once the screening process has been completed and the passenger is cleared, the automatic exit door will open and the traveler can grab their belongings and head to their flight gate.

Coming to your airport?

The self-screening is a pilot program at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The airport will use Vanderlande's prototype, the PAX MX2, which has an automated screening lane for carry-on bags. There are four integrated stations for one checkpoint lane.

Hopefully more airports to come.