A systems approach to John Wayne airport security

Abstract

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 dramatically changed America's feeling of security. The American people called for stricter security standards on all flights. On November 19, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, establishing a new law. Under this new law, the transportation security administration (TSA) would be responsible for regulating all airport security throughout the US. Among other things, this law states that 100% of passenger baggage must be screened for explosives, weapons, and other harmful materials or objects at all federally regulated airports no later than December 31, 2002. We focus on using systems engineering to solve the problem of screening all passengers and luggage while maintaining smooth airport operations that satisfy the traveler.