Transportation Security Screeners

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 14 (54%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 12 (46%)

• Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Decide whether baggage that triggers alarms should be searched or should be allowed to pass through.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Inform other screeners when baggage should not be opened because it might contain explosives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inspect checked baggage for signs of tampering.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Patrol work areas to detect any suspicious items.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Record information about any baggage that sets off alarms in monitoring equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Watch for potentially dangerous persons whose pictures are posted at checkpoints.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Contact leads or supervisors to discuss objects of concern that are not on prohibited object lists.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor passenger flow through screening checkpoints to ensure order and efficiency.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide directions and respond to passenger inquiries.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• View images of checked bags and cargo, using remote screening equipment, and alert baggage screeners or handlers to any possible problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Locate suspicious bags pictured in printouts sent from remote monitoring areas, and set these bags aside for inspection.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform pat-down or hand-held wand searches of passengers who have triggered machine alarms, who are unable to pass through metal detectors, or who have been randomly identified for such searches.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Send checked baggage through automated screening machines, and set bags aside for searching or rescreening as indicated by equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Follow those who breach security until police or other security personnel arrive to apprehend them.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Ask passengers to remove shoes and divest themselves of metal objects prior to walking through metal detectors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Close entry areas following security breaches or reopen areas after receiving notification that the airport is secure.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Challenge suspicious people, requesting their badges and asking what their business is in a particular areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Contact police directly in cases of urgent security issues, using phones or two-way radios.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confiscate dangerous items and hazardous materials found in opened bags and turn them over to airlines for disposal.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inform passengers of how to mail prohibited items to themselves, or confiscate these items.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct passengers to areas where they can pick up their baggage after screening is complete.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

Questions about transportation security screeners and AI