TSA Behind-the-Scenes with Admin David Pekoske

‍DALLAS — As global travel surges and new threats emerge, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is investing in advanced technology to secure air travel. 

At the forefront of this effort is TSA Administrator David Pekoske, who today spoke with Sarah Kopit, Editor-in-Chief, Skift, about the innovations transforming the agency's approach to safety and efficiency.

A Focus on Cybersecurity, Insider Threats

Pekoske emphasized that aviation security constantly evolves to counter various threats. Cybersecurity has become a critical area, with the TSA protecting not only airports but also pipelines and rail networks.

This multi-layered approach ensures that critical infrastructure is fortified against both cyberattacks and insider threats—employees or contractors with access to sensitive information who could potentially exploit their knowledge.

The TSA’s strategy involves enhancing preparedness and resilience in the event of an attack, which includes rapid recovery of systems and services.

"Our mission is to stay ahead of those threats and be able to put capabilities and processes in place to maintain security," Pekoske stated, underscoring the need for vigilance and adaptability.

The Power of Biometrics, Facial Recognition

One of the most significant technological advancements at TSA is the deployment of facial recognition technology. This innovation improves identity verification, one of the most crucial steps in screening. The system scans the passenger's identification document, captures their photo, and matches it to their physical appearance in real-time.

Pekoske explained, “Facial recognition technology is about 99.7% accurate, a huge improvement in accuracy." This technology is currently available at key airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, where PreCheck passengers can use a fully touchless system that speeds up the process while maintaining security.

Importantly, the TSA has built privacy considerations into this system. "When we deployed facial recognition, we wanted to make sure we put privacy issues first," Pekoske noted.

Passengers have the option to opt out without penalty, and any images captured are immediately deleted once the next passenger steps up.

"When the image is captured of you in our checkpoint in the non non-touchless system. As soon as the next passenger steps up, all your data gets erased. We don't retain it at all. We have no desire to retain that information."

Advanced CT Scanning for Baggage Screening

The TSA is also revolutionizing how carry-on luggage is screened. With the introduction of CT (computerized tomography) X-ray machines—similar to those used in medical imaging—the agency has greatly enhanced its ability to detect explosives and other dangerous items.

This technology allows officers to view bags in 3D and manipulate the image for a more detailed inspection.

Passengers also benefit: They no longer need to remove electronics or liquids from their bags, streamlining the process and reducing physical contact. These CT scanners are being rolled out across airports, although full implementation will take time. "We’re about 40% through based on the funding we have," Pekoske mentioned, highlighting the need for additional resources.

Faster, Safer Passenger Screening

Pekoske also described improvements in on-person screening. TSA has upgraded the software in its Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners, reducing false alarms by 50%. This not only enhances security but also minimizes the number of manual pat-downs, improving the experience for both passengers and TSA officers.

A newer version of the AIT scanner, featuring side panels and faster processing, is being introduced, further speeding up the screening process.

Looking Ahead: One-Stop Security

In a bid to streamline international travel, the TSA is working on a "one-stop security" concept that could debut by 2025.

This system would allow passengers arriving from certain international airports to bypass additional screening when connecting to domestic flights in the U.S. if security standards are aligned between countries.

"This concept will improve efficiency, security, and the overall customer experience," Pekoske said, projecting that the initiative could significantly reduce congestion at major U.S. airports.

Pekoske’s conversation revealed that TSA is pushing to be on the cutting edge of security technology, investing in tools that improve safety while enhancing the passenger experience.

These innovations, from facial recognition software that uses "the most advanced algorithms as "determined by the National Institute for Standards and Technology," to advanced CT scanning, demonstrate the agency’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats in a rapidly changing world.

Our takeaways is that, as the TSA modernizes, passengers can expect faster, safer, and more seamless journeys through U.S. airports.

Stay tuned to Airways for continued coverage of the Skift Global Forum 2024, where we’ll hear from Alex Mans, Founder and CEO of FLYR; Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue (B6); and Andrew Nocella, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of United Airlines (UA).