Airport security process: Explained
With an estimated 22 million flights running each year, there’s no doubt that efficient security is an essential part of any well-functioning airport.
Fast and secure airport security processes can ensure the smooth day-to-day running of airports, so it’s essential to have sufficient security measures in place.
What is airport security?
Airport security is something that everyone must experience if they’re travelling via plane, its sole purpose is to make sure that all those involved in the travel are kept safe.
Whether you’re a passenger, working in the airport or even dropping someone off, airport security is in place to ensure your experience is as stress-free and safe as possible.
An airport security officer’s job is to remain vigilant for potential threats, ensuring that people and their property are kept safe until they arrive at their destination.
Why is airport security important?
Airport security rules and checks are an essential element of every airport across the globe, staying alert for a range of threats. These can include:
- The smuggling of illegal substances
- Transporting dangerous materials
- Terrorism threats
- Transporting items not allowed in certain countries – eg: specific food and types of animals
Aviation security guards are specifically trained to handle passenger-side and air-side situations, attaining CTA and CAA screening paperwork to ensure they’re prepared for any potentially threatening situations.
Airport processes
In airports across the world, there are a range of systems and processes in place to ensure the safety of those travelling. While specific rules and restrictions change from place to place, there are certain processes native to most worldwide airports:
- Check in any hold luggage
- Scan your boarding pass (and possibly your passport)
- Scan your carry-on luggage – first removing any liquids under 100ml and large electrical items
- Pass through the security full body scanner – removing any coats or belts first. NB: you may be asked to remove your shoes too.
Professional security officers are well-versed in all things airport security – understanding each of the processes involved to create a seamless airport experience.
They can advise passengers on what is/ isn’t permitted in their luggage, acting as a trusted source of information for any queries or doubts. They are on hand to make a passenger’s experience as stress-free and safe as possible.
Airport technology
From metal detectors to biometric identification, airport security measures are bread and butter to security officers. What’s more, the technological advances of recent years have seen airport security processes go from strength to strength – making airports safer than ever.
Below, we look at some of the common technologies present in airports.
Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are one of the most common and frequently used items in airport security, with all passengers being required to pass through one. This type of airport security check is used to ensure travellers aren’t carrying any prohibited metal items – including knives and explosives.
Full body scanners
Full body scanners are used as an additional layer of security in airports, using advanced scanning systems to locate any objects concealed under a person’s clothing.
If a passenger does not wish to be scanned, they can opt for an enhanced hand search, undertaken in a private room. This alternative method can incur delays for passengers, as the process takes significantly longer, and so is not the advised security check route.
X-Ray machine or CT scanner
Before boarding the aircraft, all passengers’ carry-on luggage is required to pass through an X-Ray machine or CT scanner. This type of airport security check is aimed to detect any concealed contraband or hidden items, ensuring everyone and everything taken on the flight is safe.
All cabin bags are also screened using a similar process before being loaded on to the aircraft.
The benefits of outsourcing airport security
Partnering with a private security firm is the ideal way to ensure staff and passengers are safe, providing peace of mind to those inside the airport, while adding an extra layer of customer service.
At CDX Security Group, our specialist Aviation Division is experienced in providing premium airport security services, scoring in the top three percent of UK security firms in a recent SIA audit.
We tailor each individual package to the specific airport’s needs, finding a bespoke security strategy to suit each environment.
Interested in finding out more? Check out CDX Aviation Services today.
