SFO security streamlined

At the American Airlines counter, the last airline where bags are screened separately by X-ray machines, bags will be X-rayed after passengers hand them to airline employees at check-in.

"It does make it quicker," said SFO spokesman Michael McCarron.

Passengers connecting from domestic flights at Terminal Three to international flights at Boarding Area G will also not have to re-enter security, expediting travel times up to half an hour at peak times, McCarron said.

The changes are expected by June 1, and Airport John L. Martin said SFO's new security project will be the most fully integrated and sophisticated system in the world.

Money for the changes comes from airport revenue, rents, landing fees and rental car fees, officials said.

A new Security Operations Center is also under construction, which is expected to quicken response times in an emergency.

New perimeter fencing is expected to cost $5.4 million, along with a new intrusion detection system.

The airport has spent more than $150 million on security projects since Sept. 11, 2001, according to an SFO statement.

A fall review of the airport in Airport Security Report magazine said it has been proactive rather than reactive in its efforts, unlike many other air hubs.

"We've been very good, we've been recognized by the Transportation Security Administration as trendsetters in airport security," McCarron said.

Stephen Baxter can be reached by e-mail at stephen@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.