• Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Home & Garden
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
  • Video
  • Shows
  • Blogs
  • Quizzes
  • Games
  • Random Article
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Forces of Nature
  • Innovation
  • Military
  • Physical Science
  • Science Dictionary
  • Science Versus Myth
  • Space
  • Transportation
  • Home > 
  • Science > 
  • Transportation > 
  • Flight > 
  • Modern

by Jeff Tyson and Ed Grabianowski

Print
Cite This!
Close 
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Tyson, Jeff, and Ed Grabianowski.  "How Airport Security Works"  20 June 2001.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airport-security.htm>  11 February 2012.
Cite
Feedback

Stuff You Should Know

Josh &amp; Chuck explore zombies, mirror neurons and more »
Josh & Chuck explore zombies, mirror neurons and more »
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Airport Security Works
  2. The First Line of Defense
  3. Who Are You?
  1. Step Through, Please: Metal Detector
  2. Step Through, Please: X-Ray System
  3. Check Your Bags: X-ray Systems
  4. See more »
    1. Check Your Bags: CT Scanners
    2. Now Boarding
    3. Air Marshals
    4. Lots More Information
    5. See all Modern articles

Lots More Information

Related Articles

  • How Airports Work
  • How the Federal Aviation Administration Works
  • How Air Traffic Control Works
  • How Black Boxes Work
  • How Baggage Handling Works
  • How Airlines Work
  • How Becoming An Airline Pilot Works
  • How Airline Crews Work
  • How Customs Works
  • How Airline Freight Works
  • How Airplanes Work
  • How Helicopters Work
  • How Metal Detectors Work
  • How Police Dogs Work
  • How X-rays Work
  • I've noticed that I am not allowed to use my cell phone in airplanes or in hospitals. Why are these prohibitions in place?
  • How does an EPIRB distress radio work?

More Great Links

  • PerkinElmer Detection Systems
  • GE Explosives and Narcotics Detection
  • FAA Homepage
  • AirSafe.com
  • Office of Aviation Research

Sources

  • Air marshals cover only a few flights.August 16, 2004 Airport security - a work in progress. Feb. 23, 2004
  • Government Accountability Office (2004). Improvements Still Needed in Federal Aviation Security Efforts. GAO-04-592T
VIDEO: Check out videos of amazing aircraft. >>
Previous Page

All Things Science

10 Incredible Wind Power Facts
10 Incredible Wind Power Facts
10 Remarkable Exoplanets
10 Remarkable Exoplanets
Fact or Fiction: Earthquake Quiz
Fact or Fiction: Earthquake Quiz
Top 10 Things That Women Invented
Top 10 Things That Women Invented
Get in Touch With the Dark Arts
Get in Touch With the Dark Arts
Watch 100 Greatest Discoveries videos »

You Might Also Like

How the Switchblade Plane Will Work

Aircraft that can alter their wing configurations in mid-flight have been in development since World War II. Now technology has finally caught up with the concept, and Northrop Grumman is in the process of building an unmanned shape-shifting plane: the Switchblade. Learn about variable-wing geometry.

Boeing 747

The gigantic, ubiquitous Boeing 747 transport symbolizes the most important aspects of progress in civil aviation: the democratization and globalization of travel. Read about the challenges and successes that Boeing had with their new 747 airplane.

Popular Articles

  • How Baggage Handling Works
  • How Customs Works
  • How Sonic Cruisers Will Work
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Airport Security Works
  2. The First Line of Defense
  3. Who Are You?
  4. Step Through, Please: Metal Detector
  5. Step Through, Please: X-Ray System
  6. Check Your Bags: X-ray Systems
  1. Check Your Bags: CT Scanners
  2. Now Boarding
  3. Air Marshals
  4. Lots More Information
  5. See all Modern articles
Previous Page

Video Favorites

FPO
  • Robot Videos
  • Extreme Engineering Videos
  • 10 Ways The World Will End Videos
  • Space Station Videos

New HSW Games

FPO
  • Storm Tracker
  • Speed Match
  • Crab Fishing Game
  • Volcano Explorer
  • Lost in Migration
  • Word Bubbles

Related Content

Prices: Luggage

  • adidas Ladies Bag / Luggage Accessory Items Tan/Pink Plaid
    adidas Ladies Bag / Luggage Accessory Items Tan/Pink Plaid

    adidas Accessories...Sophisticated Style! The adidas Golf Ladies Collection is an incredibly fashionable collection of accessories. The roomy, functional pieces offer plenty of storage capacity in a design you're proud to sport on and off the golf course. adidas Ladies Bag/Luggage Accessory Items Feature: Plaid design with bright pink contrast stitching Printed 600 denier polyester and synthetic patent leather accents 210 denier nylon interior lining Click here for matching adidas Ladies Stand Bag Click here for matching adidas Ladies Shoe Bag Glove Case: Magnetic flap closure with detachable strap keeps your gloves secure Velour lining with pocket protects your accessories Velcro patch for gloves keeps them in place and wrinkle free Valuables Pouch: Zippered closure securely contains valuables Internal mesh pocket and zippered pocket offer plenty of storage Pocket sleeves for cards and identification are easily accessible Weekend Golf Tote: Two front pockets and 2 side pockets are extremely convenient Extra large shoe compartment comfortably fits most styles Organizational front compartment includes tee holder Ball pocket, MP3 player and phone pocket Large back compartment provides plenty of room Colors: Tan/Pink adidas Accessories...Fashionably Functional For The Ladies!

    $86.00

  • Swiss Case BLACK 4 Wheel ABS 3 PC Suitcases 28&quot;, 24&quot;, &amp; 20&quot; Luggage Set
    Swiss Case BLACK 4 Wheel ABS 3 PC Suitcases 28", 24", & 20" Luggage Set

    Polycarbonate shell, this pioneering material is both lightweight and strong. Flexible material offers protection and resilience with a 'no stress mark' return. Reinforced impact zones on corners for extra strength. 360° spinning wheels on each corner for the ultimate in manoeuvrability with a smooth glide in any direction. Free cabin case is a suitable size for use as hold luggage. Aluminium retractable trolley handle system can be set at multiple heights - sturdy and lightweight. Internal clothing divider. Heavy duty zips with exclusive design pulls. High gloss finish. Comes with 28", 24" and 20" luggage units, all fitting inside one another for easy storage. Brand new.

    $179.99

  • BMW 82-27-0-427-285 Luggage Set - Large Suitcase
    BMW 82-27-0-427-285 Luggage Set - Large Suitcase

    For Models: 3 Series , M Models -- Specially designed to fit your 3 Series Convertible, this luggage set includes two trolley cases in different sizes, and two attaché cases. All the cases in the luggage set will fit under the wind deflector and can be securely fastened in place when the rear seat backs are folded down. Individual suitcase pieces also available.

    $286.95

HOWSTUFFWORKS
  • Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Home & Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
MORE STUFF
  • Blogs
  • Games
  • HSW Tools
  • RSS
  • Maps
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Newsletters
  • Video
OUR WEBSITES
  • Animal Planet
  • Consumer Guide Auto
  • Consumer Guide Products
  • Discovery Channel
  • Discovery Fit & Health
  • HSW Brazil
  • HSW China HowStuffWorks China
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Planet Green
  • Science Channel
  • TLC
  • Discovery Education
  • Store
CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Help
CORPORATE
  • About Us
  • Careers @ Discovery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Visitor Agreement
TAKE US WITH YOU
FOLLOW US
© 1998-2012 HowStuffWorks, Inc