New automated screening lines are appearing at DIA "CBS Denver

By Karen Morfitt

DENVER (CBS4)– Denver International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration on Friday launched their new state-of-the-art automated control path.

Kathy Tatman is one of the first travelers to cross the new security checkpoint.

"I press a button and say it was easy … that was the case," she laughed.

The new checkpoint is noticeably different for passengers.

According to TSA's federal safety director, Larry Nau, the new bins are 25% larger and can carry carry-on luggage. The line to load these bins is no longer a single file.

"Right now, we have people lining up behind them and they have to wait for the person in front of them," he said.

Nau says that not only will it allow agents to treat three people at a time, and that those with more travel experience can travel with someone who may need more time.

Passenger Bill Barnes says the changes work for him.

"I put all my stuff in a trash can, and then I walked in the door," he said.

Automated screening pathways will also miss some of the most common screening agents.

"The officers are not here. They are in a remote location, filtering images as they pass, "said Nau.

If a bin is marked, the new system automatically moves the bin to another lane and the ones behind the bin move forward.

Although airport officials understand that it will take some time to get used to, travelers seem to be on board with any improvements that will speed things up.

"Once you've overcome the confusion, I think it's going to go a lot faster," Barnes said.

According to a DIA press release, the two ASL lanes will be used at the northern checkpoint until the security checks are transferred to the fall of 2020. Once completed, the security checkpoints at level 6 will benefit from ASL technology and other improvements. and streamline the selection process.

The new security lanes are part of the Great Hall refurbishment project, which will improve safety, provide a more flexible and open airline registration space and add new dining and shopping options. It will also increase the terminal's capacity, update the aging facility and improve the overall passenger experience. The Great Hall project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Karen Morfitt joined the CBS4 team as a reporter in 2013. She covers a variety of stories in and around the Denver Metropolitan Area. Connect with her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter @karenmorfitt or send his advice by email.