The Transportation Security Agency announced last week that it is testing a new TSA security screening policy, which affects its airport checkpoints.  Under this new policy, travelers are required to put laptops and tablets in separate bins.  This new security policy, which requires separate screenings for any electronics larger than a cell phone, will eventually be rolled out at all U.S. airports by the end of the year. 

This new rule will not apply to travelers who are part of the TSA prescreening program, which is a paid program available to select travelers that allows them to experience an expedited security screening process. 

The TSA began testing improvements to its security program in June, and selected Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as a test site.  The federal government is testing a new 3-D scanner which operates based on computed-tomography, or CT scanning, technology, for security checkpoints.  CT scanners create a 3-D image which better enables airport security employees to look for hazards.  CT scanning is already used to screen checked baggage at airports, but since CT scanning machines are larger and more expensive, airports have been reluctant to transition to this type of scanning.

American Airlines, who is participating at the test at Terminal 4 of Phoenix Sky Harbor, says that the technology could enable passengers to leave items such as laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags, which could make going through security faster and less complicated.

Phoenix is not the only airport participating in the testing to improve TSA’s security offerings.  Other airports involved in the test include Boise Airport, Colorado Springs Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Logan International Airport in Boston, Los Angeles International Airport, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport in Texas, Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.