RDU Taking Steps to Shorten Checkpoint Queues and Increase Safety

RDU Airport, NC – To help alleviate the problem of long lines at Terminal A checkpoints for early morning flights, RDU authorities have been working with the airlines in several areas. Globe and Huntleigh, the security agencies employed by the airlines at RDU, have hired extra staff to work the checkpoints.

On October 15, one of the screening machines operating at the main Terminal A checkpoint malfunctioned. The machine has been repaired and all three machines are in use, staffed by the additional security personnel recently hired and trained. The Federal Aviation Administration requires 40 hours of training for security checkpoint personnel and 40 hours of on-the-job training. In addition, the FAA dictates the type of screening equipment used at all airports.

RDU is purchasing stanchions and theater cord to direct the lines so that passengers can queue inside the terminal without having to overflow onto the curbside as happened at the beginning of the week. Airport police officers will also help direct passengers into safe queues.

In addition, the Airport will be adding a second explosive trace detector (ETD) machine, which operates in concert with the X-ray units and magnetometers.

Long lines at security checkpoints have become an issue for airports across the country in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the tightened security measures mandated by the FAA. Security officials estimate that under the new regulations, screening takes approximately four times longer per passenger. The lines are longer for those passengers taking early morning flights, especially from Thursday through Monday, when passenger traffic is heaviest.

Travelers who have some discretion on travel time might consider booking flights during the middle of the day, when there is less traffic at the checkpoints. Travelers are also advised to strictly obey the FAA regulation that they confine their carry-on luggage to one bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase. Passengers who do not need to carry a laptop are advised to leave it at home, because laptops slow the checkpoint screening process.

To help speed the screening process, following are tips for travelers:

• Bring only one carry-on, preferably none. Check your other baggage.
• Avoid bringing a laptop if possible. If you do bring a laptop, be sure to take it out of its case before you get to the checkpoint. The laptop and case have to go through the X-ray machine separately.
• Carry-on luggage with several pockets and zippers slows the screening process; avoid using such luggage if possible.
• Avoid carrying items in your pockets; you will have to empty everything from your pockets as you approach the checkpoint.
• Before traveling, remove all knives, scissors and blades of any type or size from your carry-on. This includes items such as knitting needles. If you need them, such items can be put in your checked luggage.
• Avoid carrying bottles of liquid, i.e. soft drinks, water, etc. to the checkpoint; purchase these items after you have cleared the checkpoint.
• If you have a medical condition that requires you to carry a needle and/or syringe, you must also have the medication that requires such an injection.

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