The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and TSA have opened two newly constructed 50,000ft2 security checkpoint buildings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The new checkpoint buildings are connected to walkways that serve terminal parking garages B and C and the airport’s Metrorail station, with escalators and elevators providing connections to the ticketing and baggage claim levels.
Inside the buildings, 23 screening lanes will replace the airport’s existing 20 lanes, with the potential to increase to 28. Each new checkpoint also has two restrooms, American and Delta airline check-in kiosks and checked bag drop off, and 1,000ft2 of space for future concessions.
John E. Potter, president and CEO of the Airports Authority, said: “The new checkpoints will streamline the path of many of the airport’s passengers, offering them more post-security space to dine, shop and relax prior to their fight, in addition to opening new pathways for passengers with connecting flights at Reagan National.”
Limited concessions will be available in the public areas of each new checkpoint building while the construction of WH Smith Cafes continues. Passengers travelling on Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue and United will be able to access all airport concessions between Gates 10 and 59 after clearing security.
Scott T. Johnson, the TSA’s federal security director for the airport, commented: “The checkpoints are much more spacious so that they have increased capacity and allow TSA officers to process travellers more comfortably and efficiently than previous space limitations allowed.
“The location of the new checkpoints enables travellers to move between dozens of gates and airport shops, restaurants and other amenities without needing to be re-screened.”
The opening of the new checkpoint buildings for Terminal B/C marks the final major milestone toward the completion of Project Journey, the airport’s $1bn capital improvement programme. A new 14-gate concourse – replacing the bussing operation at Gate 35X – began serving passengers in April.
