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Keeping aviation secure is extremely costly to the industry, and a major hassle for passengers.

The Checkpoint of the Future is designed to enhance security while reducing queues and intrusive searches at airports, using  intelligence-driven risk-based measures. The concept, endorsed by states during ICAO's 2010 Assembly has been translated into a first prototype unveiled at IATA's Annual General Meeting in June 2011.

Key concepts

• Strengthened security by focusing resources where risk is greatest
• Supporting this risk-based approach by integrating passenger information into the checkpoint process
• Maximized throughput for the vast majority of travelers who are deemed to be low risk with no compromise on security levels.

Looking for bad people, not just bad objects: A new concept for security

Passengers approaching the checkpoint will be directed to one of three lanes: ‘known traveler’, ‘normal’, and ‘enhanced security’. The determination will be based on a biometric identifier in the passport or other travel document that triggers the results of a risk assessment conducted by government before the passenger arrives at the airport. 

The three security lanes will have technology to check passengers according to risk. “Known travelers” who have registered and completed background checks with government authorities will have expedited access. “Normal screening” would be for the majority of travelers. And those passengers for whom less information is available, who are randomly selected or who are deemed to be an “Elevated risk” would have an additional level of screening.

Support for Checkpoint of the Future

Strong support has been expressed by major international regulators for the Checkpoint of the Future concepts, including TSA Administrator John Pistole, EU Director of Transport Matthew Baldwin and Interpol. With the US and Europe on board, we have good prospects of making a major difference in the airport experience—which would be a big improvement for both passengers and airlines.

There is also growing support from individual States, who have provided official endorsement for a statement of the key principles. 

An ICAO Technical Advisory Group to discuss Next Generation Screening met in December 2011. It is comprised of 19 States and interested industry partners such as IATA and ACI.