Airport security program expanded

TSA using 'selectee checkpoints' at some airports

Changes in airport security procedures are aimed at making the process easier but still effective.

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VIDEO U.S. transportation officials say they'll meet their goal of inspecting all luggage at domestic airports. CNN's John Zarrella reports. PLAY VIDEO RELATED • Interactive: A list of participating airports  • Interactive: Tips to save time at the airport  SPECIAL REPORT • Interactive: The hunt for al Qaeda • Audio slide show: Bin Laden's audio message, 2/03 • Terror warning system • Special report: Terror on tape • Special report: War against terror CHECKED BAGGAGE PACKING TIPS • Don't put food or beverages in checked bags. • Don't stack books -- spread them out. • Put footwear on top of other items. • Leave gifts unwrapped. • Put personal items into clear plastic bags. • Don't put film into checked bags -- explosive-detection equipment may damage it. • Don't overpack. Source: TSA

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Transportation Security Administration has expanded a pilot screening program to 42 airports ahead of the holiday rush.

The agency announced Friday that security screening at these airports will be conducted at special checkpoints, where equipment and personnel can be consolidated, instead of at individual boarding gates. (List of airports)

One of the major changes for passengers is that they will have to have their boarding passes to go through the checkpoint. The passes will no longer be issued at the gates, but will be available at ticket counters, skycap curbside stations and airline computer kiosks.

The TSA said that the change will both improve security and be less inconvenient for passengers. In early trials of the program, the wait time was about the same for passengers who were screened as it was for those who were not, the TSA said.

On Thursday, Adm. James Loy, TSA undersecretary of transportation for security, suggested a number of tips for helping passengers move more quickly and smoothly through security.

He urged travellers not to lock their checked baggage because screeners may have to check the bags by hand.

"We have no choice but to open any bags that raise concern," Loy said.

He suggested that passengers use plastic twist ties, like the ones used to close garbage bags, instead of locks.

The request comes as the nation's commercial airports are working to meet a December 31 congressional deadline to do screening for explosives on all luggage checked at the nation's commercial airports.

Legislation requiring the screening was passed in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in which four commercial jets were hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, killing about 3,000 people.

Of the nation's 429 commercial airports, about 325 already have set up their baggage-screening programs, and the others will have a system working by the end of the year, Loy said.

But some airports will not have automated systems in place by the deadline. They will be allowed to use equipment that detects traces of explosives, and to make use of dogs and hand searches to accomplish the task. "In all cases, all bags will be being checked," Loy said.

Loy also pointed out that a list of prohibited items for carry-on bags -- including scissors, pocketknives and other sharp items -- is posted on the agency's Web site. These items can be put into checked bags.

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