Airport security screening is one of the most important steps in keeping travelers safe. Every day, millions of passengers rely on security staff to protect them from threats while still allowing a smooth and efficient journey. But with more people flying than ever and an evolving threat landscape, this task is becoming increasingly complex.
Effective screening must strike a balance between protecting public safety while also respecting traveler privacy and maintaining flow through checkpoints. That’s where experience, advanced tools, and well-trained teams come in.
At Garrett, we’ve helped airports around the world improve their security operations with our trusted walk-through and hand-held metal detectors. Our solutions are built on decades of expertise and a deep understanding of airport needs – and we have some tips for you.
Key Takeaways
- Well-trained security personnel are the foundation of effective airport screening operations.
- Using a layered approach with multiple technologies helps catch threats other methods may miss.
- Daily calibration and regular maintenance of screening equipment ensure optimal performance.
- Monitoring passenger behavior and detecting anomalies adds a crucial layer of security beyond metal detection.
- Extra staffing and mobile detectors like the Garrett Paragon help manage peak travel times efficiently and are ECAC certified.
- Clear signage, multilingual instructions, and digital prompts improve passenger flow and reduce confusion.
- Garrett is a trusted global leader in airport security, providing advanced metal detectors and expert support to airports worldwide.
Train Security Personnel Thoroughly
Comprehensive Detection Training
Security starts with trained officers. Staff must be able to detect a wide range of prohibited items, from weapons to hidden electronics. Training should cover how to use screening tools and how to interpret scanner results.
Just as important, airport security should learn how to spot suspicious behavior. Combining physical screening with behavioral observation adds another layer of protection.
Strengthen Situational Awareness
Officers need to stay alert at all times. This includes watching for changes in a person’s behavior, movements, or level of nervousness. Sudden shifts in tone or body language can signal something’s not right. At the same time, respectful communication with travelers is essential. It helps keep tension low and improves cooperation during the screening process.
Ongoing Refresher Courses
Security threats change, and so should training. Officers should take regular refresher courses to stay updated on the latest risks and screening techniques. These courses could include realistic simulations that mirror real-world challenges, or they could be simple online trainings refresh technical knowledge on equipment and screening best practices.
Use a Layered Screening Approach
Deploy Multiple Screening Technologies
A layered approach means using more than one type of screening. For example, airports should combine:
- ECAC-certified walk-through metal detectors like the Garrett PD 6500i or Paragon
- X-ray scanners for carry-on bags
- Explosive trace detection (ETD) tools
- Advanced imaging systems
- Drug and bomb-sniffing dogs for elevated threat response and prescreening
Using different tools creates a safety net, if one method misses something, another may catch it.
Establish Protocols for Secondary Screening
When a walk-through detector alerts, officers should know what to do next. Handheld metal detectors like the Guide or SuperWand can help pinpoint the source of the alarm. Clear steps should be in place for escalation. If something seems suspicious, officers should know how and when to involve higher-level security or law enforcement.
Maintain and Calibrate Equipment
Daily Calibration and Testing
Modern metal detection systems require shockingly little in the way of maintenance and calibration, but in order to ensure maximally consistent performance and safeguard against tampering, it is important to regularly monitor walkthrough settings. Beyond that, modern systems may only require a yearly or reactive maintenance schedule that checks for loosening connectors, control panel responsiveness, and battery replacement timings.
Additionally, relevant test objects can confirm whether both walk-through and handheld detectors are working properly. A few quick pass-throughs with a test object is critical to gauge settings performance and avoid missed threats or false alarms.
Replace Outdated or Malfunctioning Units
Like any piece of technology, screening equipment has a service life. Devices that are outdated or no longer reliable should be replaced. Garrett walkthroughs and handhelds that are older than 10 years may be considered too old for service and in need of replacement. . A regular maintenance schedule with pre-planned replacement timings ensures you always have fully functioning equipment on duty.
Prevent False Alarms
Frequent false alarms can slow down screening and frustrate passengers. To avoid this:
- Keep detectors clean and free of debris
- Update software as needed
- Check and adjust sensitivity settings regularly
By taking these steps, officers can reduce delays and improve the overall screening experience without compromising safety.
Prepare for Peak Travel Times
Holiday weekends and summer vacations often bring large crowds to airports. More passengers mean longer lines, more stress, and higher risks if security isn’t managed properly.
Increase Staffing and Open Additional Lanes
Airport managers can use historical data and flight schedules to predict when passenger numbers will spike. During these times, it’s smart to open extra lanes and increase staffing. Our PD6500i walk-through metal detectors are perfect for this because they’re portable, fast to set up, and easy to use. With multiple zones and flexible settings, they help screen large numbers of people quickly.
Communicate Wait Times Clearly
No one likes being stuck in a long line with no idea how long it will take. To improve passenger experience and reduce stress, airports should use digital signs and mobile apps to share real-time wait times. These tools can also remind travelers to arrive early during busy periods. Clear communication keeps things running smoothly.
Conduct Randomized Screenings
Predictability is a weakness when it comes to security. If bad actors know what to expect, they can plan ways around it. That’s why it’s important to keep screening patterns unpredictable.
Break Predictable Patterns
In addition to regular checks, airports should conduct randomized screenings. This means choosing passengers at random for extra screening, regardless of how they look, where they’re flying, or what their background is. These checks make it harder for anyone with bad intentions to guess what will happen. Garrett walkthroughs all have an adjustable random alarm setting that can be used to select subjects for additional screening without added human bias.
Rotate Staff
Rotating staff between roles and checkpoints keeps screeners alert and helps reduce complacency. The crosstraining required also improves security resiliency in the case of unplanned staff shortages due to sickness, turnover, or other factors.
Ensure Clear Signage and Communication
Confusion slows things down and adds stress, for both passengers and staff. Good signage and clear instructions can prevent mistakes and help keep the lines moving.
Provide Multilingual Instructions and Visual Aids
Many travelers don’t speak the local language. To help everyone understand what’s expected, airports should post instructions in multiple languages. Diagrams showing the steps, like removing laptops, liquids, and shoes, are helpful for all passengers, especially those unfamiliar with security rules.
Leverage Technology and Staff for Clarity
Digital signs and audio prompts can give travelers clear, consistent directions as they approach the checkpoint. Well-positioned staff members near the detectors or at the beginning of checkpoint queues can answer questions, guide people through the process, and reduce confusion. This not only makes screening more efficient, it also helps passengers feel more comfortable and respected.
Garrett’s Role in Supporting Effective Screening
Garrett has been a trusted name in airport security for decades. Our metal detectors are used in airports across the globe to help keep passengers and staff safe. We work closely with security teams to deliver reliable tools that make screening faster, easier, and more accurate.
Many major transit hubs have implemented our walk-through detectors and SuperWand handheld unit to boost both security and passenger throughput. These tools have proven their value in busy environments, helping airports run more smoothly without compromising safety.
Key Products From Garrett That Support Efficient Screening
PD 6500i Walk-Through Metal Detector
The PD 6500i features multi-zone pinpointing to help officers quickly locate where on the body a threat item is detected. This cuts down on time spent during secondary screening and keeps lines moving. With high throughput and advanced detection capabilities, it is ideal for high-traffic terminals.
Paragon Walk-Through Metal Detector
The Garrett Paragon walk-through metal detector is a premium, next-generation screening system. It meets ECAC 2.1 standards with the SMD option, offering exceptional weapons detection accuracy. Advanced features include bilateral sensing, NFC “zero touch” control, and programmable zone sensitivity. Ideal for high-security environments such as airports and government facilities.
Guide and SuperWand Handheld Detectors
The Garrett Guide is a lightweight, durable detector with LED indicators and audio/visual alerts. It delivers reliable sensitivity for spotting small metal objects, making it ideal for schools, events, or offices. It also features USB-C charging for convenient recharging.
The Garrett SuperWand offers high sensitivity, ergonomic grip, and clear alerts. Built for durability, it excels in demanding security settings like checkpoints or detention facilities. The SuperWand also features 360-degree detection.
Understanding How To Conduct Effective Airport Security Screening
Effective airport screening requires more than just metal detectors, it takes trained people, clear communication, and smart technology working together. Our proven track record, industry-leading products, and commitment to support help airports build safer, faster, and more reliable screening processes. If you need help selecting the right airport metal detector or planning an efficient screening setup, contact Garrett today. We’re here to support your security goals every step of the way.
