Travelers May Be X-rayed Soon

May 28, 2003

Travelers May Be X-rayed Soon
Some members of Congress are considering legislation that would require travelers and their carry-on luggage to be X-rayed at airports.

According to The Wall Street Journal, improvements in screening equipment will catch people carrying ceramic and plastic weapons, including explosives, which aren’t currently picked up by metal detectors.

The bill, which could be considered as early as next month, would require the Transportation Security Administration to give priority to finding better screening equipment. Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) said alternatives already available include body-scanning X-rays, which can identify contraband concealed under clothing and hair. TSA is currently testing some of this equipment.