Chicago’s Midway International Airport recently introduced the first phase of its new $42 million USD baggage-screening system, which is designed to process more than 30,000 checked bags each day. Besides being faster, the new system eliminates the need for travelers to transport checked bags from the airline ticket counter to a separate screening location after checking in. Elimination of the current screening system over time also will free up a significant amount of space in Midway’s terminal.
The new technology, called in-line baggage screening, comes with advanced detection capabilities, making it less prone to issue explosive alerts for harmless substances such as fertilizer residue on golf clubs.
Passengers flying on Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines were the first to experience the new baggage system. The remaining airlines at Midway will convert to the new baggage system this summer.
Sources: Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times