Sep 17, 2008 8:16 pm US/Eastern
Security Measures Beefed Up At BWI Airport
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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There are beefed up security measures being taken at BWI Airport.
WJZ
The next time you hop on a plane out of Baltimore, you can expect to see some beefed up security measures that won't slow you down.
Jessica Kartalija reports it's the unveiling of a new security program at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
About 800 pilots with Southwest are based out of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The new system improves security at the airport and speeds up lines through the checkpoint.
Seventy-five pilots with Southwest Airlines pass through security at BWI Airport daily.
"They went through everything in our suitcases, in our flight kits. Everything from head to toe. We were looked at just like the traveling public," said Captain Bert Seither.
For the first time ever, Southwest pilots will use a biometric security system, taking them out of long lines at the checkpoint.
"Secure Screen takes the volume of pilots -- who need to get through the checkpoint very quickly-- away from the mainstream checkpoint, brings them to this location where they can get through very quickly. It gives them the opportunity to get to their planes more quickly where they need to do important and necessary safety checks before those planes can depart," said Lauren Gaches.
In addition to cutting down on checkpoint congestion, it's an added security measure. Pilots are also required to show their security badge.
BWI is the largest Southwest hub on the East Coast.
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