42 BAGGAGE July | August 2026 AirportImprovement.com BWI but still delivers programmatic performance and best planning criteria, Shank adds. Also, the lightened structural load required less steel and, therefore, less money. This shift required an intensive design phase with input from and collaboration with key stakeholders. Multiple space planning exercises were conducted to identify the optimal location for the new system, balancing the space it required with Southwest’s operational spaces and other airport amenities—all while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations, of course. “Real estate at an airport is at a premium and, obviously, the system needed to grow,” says Jason McConnell, lead designer for VTC. The team scoured existing spaces for opportunities to expand, in search of the location that would pose the least encroachment or disruption to existing operations. After designers developed multiple concepts, the site that emerged as the prime spot was an area housing the checked bag inspection system. Next, discussions turned to technical aspects of what would be installed there and how a new system would improve throughput and overall baggage handling for Southwest. McConnell explains that previously, there wasn’t enough room between ticketing counters, where bags were loaded into the system, and the Explosives Detection System (EDS) machines to divert bags as needed. Adequate spacing and gapping can “make or break a system,” he emphasizes. Checked Baggage Inspection and Baggage Handling Systems Checkpoint Passenger and Property Screening Systems >> Master Planning >> System Design >> Construction Administration >> Installation and Integration Services >> Testing and Commissioning Support >> Third-Party Testing VTC’s Airport Integration Test Lab Richland Hills, TX 7400 Whitehall Street • Richland Hills, TX 76118 USA • T. 817-557-5600 • www.vtc.us.com JASON McCONNELL Maintaining baggage flow required multiple route adjustments throughout the project.
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