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TSA adds a fourth security lane as AVL's boarding growth continues

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 26, 2024

Historic growth with more than 2.2 million passengers last year and two record-breaking days this summer, with more than 6,400 passengers screened in one day, Asheville Regional Airport has added a fourth security lane.

The Transportation Security Administration installed the new security screening lane on Monday and it is now fully operational.

“Our TSA officers are looking forward to working in the new space where they will have a larger area to carry out their important security duties,” said TSA's North Carolina spokesperson, Dan Velez.

During AVL’s routine busiest days, TSA screens more than 5,800 people a day. The fourth line will alleviate wait times during peak travel hours.

“This couldn’t come at a better time,” said Lew Bleiweis, president and CEO of Asheville Regional Airport. “The growth is real at AVL, and we’ve exceeded our record passenger numbers from 2023 every month this year so far. Our security lines were at capacity. TSA has seen our growth and responded to ensure our passengers can move through screening more quickly.”

The new lane will feature a Computed Tomography X-Ray machine, which provides TSA officers the ability to rotate the X-ray image on-screen for a thorough visual image analysis. By getting a better view of the contents of the bag, the TSA officer can resolve potential security threats on-screen, ultimately reducing the number of bag checks that are required. As an added passenger convenience, with the use of these new CT units, travelers may now leave their laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags along with their small 3-1-1 liquids.

All passengers should plan ahead and pack properly to prevent delays during the screening process. For a list of prohibited items visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all