NOW PLAYING
(NEXSTAR) – The Transportation Security Administration is in the midst of a costly upgrade to the agency’s screening equipment, bringing computed tomography (CT) technology to checkpoints at nearly 300 airports so far. But the transition could also pose a pricey problem for travelers who aren’t careful with their carry-ons.
The new scanners, which use CT technology, are able to produce 3D images of each scanned bag, allowing TSA officers to rotate the X-ray images to more clearly see the contents of passengers’ carry-on luggage. The scanners also work in conjunction with “sophisticated algorithms” that can automatically flag suspicious items, such as explosives or “other threat items,” according to the TSA.
“The use of CT technology by our officers significantly enhances our ability to detect threats at the checkpoint,” Peter Duffy, a federal security director for the TSA, explained of the upgrades in a press release issued this week.
A TSA agent helps travelers at a security checkpoint outfitted with a 3D computed tomography (CT) scanner at the Miami International Airport on in 2019. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) What does this mean for travelers?
Travelers, too, may notice a change in protocol at TSA screening lanes with CT scanners. Passengers are not currently required to remove laptops, electronic devices or liquids (those abide by the 3-1-1 rule) in these lanes, thereby “improv[ing] the travelers’ experience,” the TSA says. But the agency also acknowledges that some carry-on bags that fit through the older X-ray machines might not clear the smaller opening of the CT scanners.
“CT units have a slightly smaller entry tunnel, and not all larger carry-on bags will fit into the units,” the TSA wrote in a recent press release touting the technology’s rollout in Alaska. “TSA recommends that large carry-on items be checked with the airline.”
A TSA spokesperson, in a statement to Nexstar, said some of the new CT scanners were designed with smaller openings specifically to house the more powerful X-ray hardware.
“This design is necessary to accommodate the advanced imaging technology and ensure optimal performance,” the spokesperson said. “TSA officers are available to assist travelers with larger items or special needs to help ensure a smooth screening process.”
A representative for the TSA did not specify how officers manning the CT scanners would “assist” travelers with larger carry-ons, nor whether they might be sending passengers back to their airline check-in gates to check the bags.
Photographers be warned
Aside from possible size issues, the TSA’s costly upgrade to CT scanners could also pose a pricey problem for photographers, specifically. In an emailed statement to Nexstar, a TSA spokesperson confirmed that undeveloped film — including undeveloped film already loaded into a camera, such as a Polaroid camera — can be ruined if sent through the new scanning equipment.
“The advanced imaging technology can expose film to higher levels of X-rays, which may result in fogging or ruining the film,” the statement reads. “TSA recommends that travelers carrying undeveloped film or film cameras request a hand inspection at the checkpoint instead of sending them through the scanner.”
Serious photographers, however, have likely known about this guidance for years, as even previous X-ray technology could potentially interfere with the quality of undeveloped film. (The TSA has recommended photographers have their film hand-inspected for nearly a decade.)
Where have the CT scanners been installed?
As of early July, the TSA had deployed a total of 1,162 new CT scanning units across 296 airports throughout the country. But even in major air hubs — where the new units are often being utilized — they’re not always found at every security lane and checkpoint.
The TSA appears to be intent on changing that, thanks to contracts with several security technology firms to fulfill additional orders. A representative for the TSA did not say how much money, in total, the Department of Homeland Security has currently allotted for its CT scanner upgrades, but announcements in 2022 and 2023 indicate the cost has exceeded well over a billion dollars.
“The agency is planning to gradually replace the current X-ray fleet with CT units over the coming years, as funding allows.”
Add as preferred source on Google TagsCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore Technology News
See All
Technology Sacks argues US is ‘tying itself in knots’ over AI after release of new Chinese model by Julia Shapero 19 hours ago Technology / 19 hours ago 
