According to a press release from the TSA distributed on January 24, 2023, “The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its use of state of the art, computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanners at security checkpoints nationwide, and brand new units are heading to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in the coming weeks.
The new CT scanners, used to screen travelers’ carry-on luggage in the security checkpoints, apply a sophisticated algorithm as they generate a 3-D image of the contents of the bag. TSA officers can manipulate the 3-D X-ray image onscreen to allow for a better view of the bag’s contents, ultimately reducing the number of secondary bag checks.
When a carry-on bag is screened through a CT scanner, travelers can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics larger than a cell phone and food. However, operating requirements of the CT scanner system dictate that every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening and that items cannot be placed directly on the X-ray belt. Also, the opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, so oversized bags can no longer be accommodated. TSA officers will be available to assist passengers with these new divesting procedures.”
What this means for travelers:
- Travelers can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics larger than a cell phone and food.
- Every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening; items cannot be placed directly on the X-ray belt.
- The opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, so oversized bags can no longer be accommodated. Travelers need to make sure carry-on luggage is of the approved airline size.
- Over the next month (February 2023), travelers need to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight, as the checkpoint will be down one lane each week due to installation. Three lanes will be installed over the coming weeks, with a fourth coming later this summer.