TSA adds fourth security screening lane at AVL

(Asheville, N.C.) Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has experienced historic growth with over 2.2 million passengers in 2023. This summer the airport has experienced two record-breaking days with over 6,400 passengers screened in one day.

To meet passenger demand, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began the installation of a fourth security screening lane on Monday, July 22, 2024, 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 North Carolina spokesperson, Dan Velez.

During AVL’s routine busiest days, TSA is screening 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 (CT) X-Ray machine. The CT X-ray 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. The TSA has a list of prohibited items on their website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all

The third-busiest commercial service airport in North Carolina, AVL is served by six airline partners: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country and United, who offer nonstop service to 27 unique airport destinations throughout the country. To learn more, visit www.flyavl.com. To learn more about the airport’s construction project that will result in a new airport passenger terminal, visit www.flyavl.com/avlforward.  

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