New body scanner at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to make security process quicker, easier

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Getting through airport security just got quicker and easier.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently installed a new body scanner at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

You no longer have to take your shoes off or even raise your arms when getting scanned at the security checkpoint now that they have new technology.

The new body scanner is called the Advanced Imaging Technology Unit. It’s a high-resolution scanner that’s able to detect metallic and non-metallic threats like weapons, explosives, and other objects concealed under clothes.

It was installed at the airport back in June.

Before, a TSA agent might’ve had to pat you down to find the object but now the scanner is able to spot it more accurately.

“More accurate and advanced scanning means that it’s less pat downs for our passengers and with it having an open architecture, it’s more comfortable for our passengers to get through,” said TSA Alabama Spokesperson Gervais Joubert.

TSA says the new scanner cuts down on time, about 2-3 seconds per passenger, and they hope to bring more of them to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth in the future.

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