COVID-19 prompts new TSA security measures at Sea-Tac Airport
SEATAC, WA Sept 5 2020 — The Transportation Security Administration has rolled out new procedures at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and other airfields in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 by implementing social distancing and contact-less security sweeps.
The biggest safety protocol changes involves boarding passes, which won’t be given to the TSA agent at the security line.
Instead, travelers will retain their boarding passes and hold it up so the TSA agent can visually inspect it. Passengers will then be instructed to place their drivers license or passport into an electronic card reader that will verify its authenticity.
“The use of this self-service system reduces touchpoints in the security checkpoint,” the agency said in a written statement.
The measures are part of TSA’s “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure” campaign, which calls for TSA agents to wear face masks and gloves during the screening process. In some instances, the federal worker may also wear eye protection or a face shield, according to the statement.
Peak travel times through the security checkpoint at Sea-Tac Airport are 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., TSA said. to 10:30 a.m. Travelers are urged to arrive at the airport early enough to clear the security checkpoint in order to get to their airline gate on time.
