Passagerarscreening

Passagerarscreening, or passenger screening, refers to the security procedures applied to travelers and their luggage to reduce the risk that prohibited items are carried onto aircraft, ships, trains, or other transport modes. It is a core component of transport security programs and is typically conducted at points of departure or boarding.

The screening process usually includes identity and travel-document checks, screening of carry-on baggage, and personal screening of passengers. Travelers present their documents, pass through security checkpoints, and place items on conveyer belts for X-ray inspection. Depending on the jurisdiction, passengers may pass through walk-through metal detectors or body scanners, and some airports perform random or targeted pat-downs.

Common technologies used in passagerarscreening include walk-through metal detectors, millimeter-wave or terahertz body scanners, X-ray systems for carry-on luggage, and equipment for detecting explosives traces on hands or surfaces. In some cases, canine units and manual inspections complement automated screening.

Governance and policy vary by country but generally follow international standards set by bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and national authorities. Many programs incorporate risk-based screening to expedite screening for trusted travelers. Privacy and civil liberties considerations are addressed through data minimization, image processing controls, and limitations on data retention, though practices differ by region.

Effectiveness and challenges include balancing security with efficiency, minimizing disruption to travel, and staying ahead of evolving threats. Ongoing debates focus on the use of advanced imaging technologies, the reliability of automated risk assessment, and ensuring consistent application across airports and modes of transport.