The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began installing state-of-the-art scanners at the security checkpoint at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport this week. During this installation, periodic slowdowns in screening can be expected due to temporary security lane closures to accommodate this work. This installation is scheduled to be completed by mid-February.

Passengers should continue to arrive at the airport two hours prior to departures during this period. This type of scanner uses Computed Tomography (CT) technology and provides advanced explosives detection capabilities by applying a sophisticated algorithm to generate a 3-D image of the contents of the carry-on bag.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, commended the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and TSA for working together on the new security upgrades and noted that the installation of the carry-on scanners may cause short-term inconvenience, but will deliver long-term benefits to travelers that will make getting through airport security quicker and more efficient in the future.

“Deploying this new screening technology is a win for passengers at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport,” Senator Jack Reed said in a statement. “It will make the screening process more efficient and ultimately allow travelers to keep items like their laptop and travel toiletries stowed in their carry-on bags. This technology has been successfully tested in other markets and I commend the TSA and RIAC for swiftly deploying it here in Rhode Island.”

The new CT screening equipment shoots hundreds of images with an X-ray camera that spins around the conveyor belt to provide officers with a 3D picture of a carry-on bag to ensure it does not contain a threat.  Once the installation is complete, travelers will experience fewer manual bag checks and would no longer be required to remove electronics and other items from carry-on baggage, resulting in improved passenger checkpoint experiences.