(Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash) — *(Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash*)

Remember way back in 2019 when infrastructure experts spoke of the improvements needed to make America’s airports dazzling centers of innovation?

Fast forward nine-plus months and the push to upgrade America’s airports has gone supersonic.

Prior to the pandemic, the U.S. government pledged to invest $485 million to improve and expand terminals and replace outdated airport buildings and amenities. But the COVID-19 virus threw a bit of a wrench into the plan. Now, airports must also develop ways to keep passengers, flight crews and employees safe from contagions to help ensure a new virus does not spread across the globe.

But there is a silver lining. Much of the technology needed to do so already exists. And the changes will ultimately make traveling less stressful.

Features of the Post-COVID-19 American Airport

With that in mind, let’s take a trip through a post-COVID-19 American airport.

Security Begins in Airport Parking Lots

Many airports in Asia stop every vehicle to check for explosive devices. While American airports do not take such precautions, world-renowned airport architect, Luis Vidal, thinks this technique could be implemented to check the temperatures of every passenger arriving at the airport.

Vidal says, “Temperature control tests could be implemented at airport entrances or in the parking areas, which will double as registration and customer service areas. This will add another control measure prior to entry.”

But it does not stop there: When entering the terminal, rays of ultraviolet (UV) light may be utilized to disinfect passengers’ clothing – killing any viruses or germs they may be carrying.

Innovative Identification Techniques Become Reality

Vidal also thinks passports and other forms of identification (ID) could be read electronically, eliminating the stress-inducing experience of rummaging through bags of luggage for your ID.

“Artificial intelligence and big data will allow security controls to be equipped with facial recognition and electronic passport screening,” said Vidal.

In other words, a passenger’s face or iris will essentially become their passport, verified onsite at the terminal. It may sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but this technology is already being implemented by airlines here in the U.S.

Transformed Security Checkpoints

Over the past 19-plus years, passengers have been required to remove their shoes and belts as a security protocol for air travel. Vidal now argues that security does not necessarily have to be such a physical act. He notes that there is existing technology that can scan passengers and their luggage without visitors even knowing it.

If the scan picks up something fishy, security will politely approach the passenger to investigate the situation privately. No more TSA agents rummaging through your luggage in front of fellow travelers!

A New, Upgraded Terminal Experience

*Luis Vidal + Architects’ concept art for Pittsburgh International Airport (Photo by Pittsburgh International Airport)*

Above all else, flexibility is key. That means making every square foot work while still making travelers feel safe, secure and comfortable. It sounds like a tall order, but Vidal is already implementing these designs right here in the U.S.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has been a leader in COVID response. And the new proposed design for Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) from Gensler + HDR, in association with luis vidal + architects, is on the cutting edge of airport design. The facility is inspired by the region itself, incorporating nature, technology and “community.” Key design features include separate levels for departure and arrival, shorter walking distances, green squares/meeting spaces, ample space for concessions, artwork and amenities and an emphasis on sustainability.

It even features an undulating roof to match the “rolling” landscape and brought organic-looking columns to the terminal’s interior. The intensity of today’s security controls are reduced with PIT’s deliberate focus on the user and diminishing passenger stress.

*Kansas City International Airport (Photo by Kansas City International Airport)*

Another mid-sized airport, Kansas City International, is in the midst of building a $1.5 billion terminal, which will consolidate three terminals into a single, 39-gate space, including a two-story fountain, a children’s play area and updated concessions. Kansas City officials are already exploring how to enhance traveler safety and health in the new terminal – including the possibility of conducting health screenings outside, according to a recent New York Times feature. As adjustments are needed, the design has flexibility built in, something older airports cannot do as easily.

A New Future of Flight

Clearly, airports in post-COVID-19 America will look and feel a lot different than they do today – and we have yet to discuss the transformation of the planes themselves! Nevertheless, as Vidal said, “Imagine if these developments help bring an end to those long security lines. That alone would be fantastic, wouldn’t it?”

In this modern, digitized system, security would certainly not take a back seat, either, as these biometric technologies would be right there to ensure a safe environment.

Have any ideas on the future of airports? Let us know in the comments below. Cheers!

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What Will the Post-COVID-19 Airport Look Like?