Editorial: More security baggage

Friday, Sept. 22, 2006 | 7:32 a.m.

A recent report criticizes the bomb-detection systems at the nation's airports, saying that the technology is not capable of adequately scanning an ever-increasing amount of checked baggage.

According to a recent story by USA Today, the 220-page report - written by officials from airports, airlines, security design firms and some Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials - says the scanners are slow and labor-intensive and were little more than a hasty response in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The system has been bogged down for a while. But increased restrictions on what may be carried aboard aircraft - implemented in August after an airliner-bombing plot was foiled in London - have caused more passengers to check baggage and, therefore, overwhelmed the system.

Airports already had faced challenges in finding room for the van-size scanners, which have resulted in cramped quarters in many terminals. There isn't room in many airports to install more, airport officials told USA Today. And the existing machines are so sluggish that flights have been held up or luggage has not made it onto its flights. In addition, large crowds of people packed into terminals waiting for baggage scans are potential targets for terrorists.

A TSA advisory committee accepted the report's results last week, USA Today reports, but the full TSA has not decided whether to endorse the report or its recommendations that Congress approve a financing package for newer, faster machines - an effort that would cost $4.8 billion. The report calls for airports to help by spending $700 million to have the machines installed by 2013 in exchange for a series of federal tax cuts to offset the investment.

It is ridiculous that five years after terrorists hijacked four U.S. airliners, the federal government and our nation's airports are still trying to figure out how to effectively screen passengers' luggage for bombs. By now, we should know better. Congress and the TSA don't need to waste more time ruminating over this study. They need a plan for installing better equipment - immediately.