Passengers flying out of Los Angeles International Airport this summer might find themselves taking part in a security test that, in the near future, may allow passengers to leave their shoes on as they go through Security.
The new machines manufactured by L3 Communications are dubbed The PassPort. These machines will detect the presence of any explosives, including TATP, EGDN, NG, TNT, PETN, RDX, NC, nitrates and others that might be used in a shoe bomb.
As the traveler passes through the device, “PassPort’s direct contact design takes samples from hands, torso and feet — without the need for users to remove their shoe — enabling continuous traffic flow with no stopping or waiting.” Results are available within a few seconds after the traveler exits the system.
(Gads! What do we do? Roll through the machine?)
Since the shoe screening contraption is still in its testing stage, designed to collect data, LAX passengers selected to pass through the machine will still need to go through established security procedures and remove their shoes before passing through the PassPort’s magnetometer.
Last year, TSA tested a device, manufactured by General Electric, at the Orlando International Airport. According to the TSA, the shoe scanning feature of the device “[did] not meet minimum detection standards” and was discontinued October 10.
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology will also be testing the scanner in the lab and will compare its findings with the TSA’s on-site experience.
Once this technology is approved, combined with the checkpoint-friendly laptop bag and the diamond lanes, you may be able to breeze through security. Don’t hold your breath.
