Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, airport security has been forced to make major improvements over the past ten years to ensure that Americans and visitors are safe. Recently, airlines have started placing restrictions on items like OEM handcarts and luggage by not allowing people to have locks on their suitcases. It’s important that airport security really figure out the best ways to keep people safe from another terrible attack. This article lists some of the main ways that airport security has changed in the last ten years, as well as the future of airport security.

1. People can no longer greet family and friends from the door like they used to. The reasoning behind this is that by allowing people to get closer to the gate, you create too much commotion that airport security simply cannot handle and keep everyone safe at the same time.

2. There has also been an increase in overall security in terms of the number of people checking bags and people going through security. Airport security can also “randomly” search any individual they deem to be acting or looking suspicious. This selection process has been heavily criticized both by people who believe that security only selects people of Arab descent and by those who believe that airport security does not detain enough people of Arab descent. New drug tests have been implemented to verify carry-on luggage by wiping a round cloth through the bag, which is then placed in a machine. Additionally, people must now remove their shoes when going through security because there have been shoe bomb threats against airlines carrying American passengers. The latest controversy in airline security is the use of full-body scanners. These scans would allow security to see everything on the traveler’s body, making many people very uncomfortable, while others feel that it is a necessary evil to keep everyone safe. The other question that comes with the full-body scan is how to decide who should have one, as some argue that airport security could take advantage of the machine. Some also argue that only those who are prime targets should undergo such an invasive scan.

3. Finally, there are increasing limitations on what items people are allowed and what they are not allowed to take with them when it comes to carry-on luggage. Travelers may only bring a zip-loc bag filled with 3 oz or less bottles of liquid. Also, travelers cannot bring anything on the plane that they have not purchased at the airport in terms of liquids.

All airlines must be very cautious when dealing with travelers during these difficult times. It will be interesting to see the outcome of the full-body scan controversy in the years to come. Airport security must remain tight so that Americans are safe both at home and abroad.