A Study Of Passenger Perception And Sensitivity To Airport Backscatter X-Ray Technologies

Abstract

Because of September 11, security continues to be a concern in the airline business.  Enhancing airport security is one of the highest considerations of the federal government, which is currently employing electromagnetic screening systems and metal detection portal technologies, in order to screen airline passengers for hazardous metallic objects.  Improving security is considered critical in mitigating the perceived risk of terrorism and threat, though privacy sensitivity is frequently a consideration if not a concern of passengers.  This study analyzes factors of public acceptability of airport backscatter screening systems, in a current survey of passengers in New York City and in Tel Aviv.  The study furnishes findings that may benefit administrators in the federal government in the implementation of x-ray screening systems that are cognizant of not only the risk of terrorism but also of public sensitivity to intrusive technologies.