Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to airport security  

The Transportation Security Administration is moving to a full-scale deployment of computed tomography scanning equipment at airport security checkpoints. These devices provide a three-dimensional image of the content of carry-on bags, as opposed to the two-dimensional image that the previous X-ray machines provided. That means that taking items out of carry-on bags is unnecessary when scanned using this new technology.   

Though the new scanners can identify threat items that older X-ray machines may have missed, such as liquid explosives, subjecting all passenger carry-on bags to this technology is misguided.

The TSA relies on a layered system to keep the air system secure. Though any one layer may be compromised, the collective security of the system relies on multiple layers to keep bad actors from inflicting harm. The overriding principle that permeates TSA operations is risk-based security, which allocates security resources commensurate with security risk — i.e., more security attention should be directed to passengers and baggage that carry greater risk. 

TSA Precheck is the poster child for risk-based security. When people voluntarily provide background information, this information reduces their risk to the air system. Thus, they are given access to PreCheck airport screening lanes that provide expedited screening through security checkpoints. For those who opt in, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lines move even faster. The tradeoff between giving up some personal privacy in exchange for expedited screening is one that many travelers welcome, making air travel more........

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