Self-service TSA screening is being tested in Las Vegas. Here's how it works.

Imagine this: You make your way through the airport security line, send your bags through the scanner, empty your pockets and go through a body scanner — all with little to no interaction with a TSA agent.

Airport security that resembles a self-checkout lane in a grocery store could be a reality in the not-too-distant future. It depends on the results of the Transportation Security Administration's six-month trial run of self-serve security screening pods.

The TSA, collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, just launched a self-service security screening system on a trial basis at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Here's what to know about the self-service airport security checkpoints.

What is self-service security screening?

The self-service TSA lanes in Las Vegas allow passengers to go through security at their own pace and with minimal engagement with a TSA agent.

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Video monitors give step-by-step instructions for completing the screening. Nothing you're used to doing when going through security has changed. You still need to put your bag through the scanner, empty your pockets and get scanned yourself. There will just be less interaction with screeners.

If a passenger needs help, the video monitors can connect them with a TSA screener who can answer their questions.

After passengers finish the screening and are cleared for travel, automated exit doors open so they can retrieve their bags and walk to their gates.

Where is the self-service TSA screening?

Self-service security is being tested at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

The test started on March 6 and is expected to last six months.

Who can use self-service security screening?

Only travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can use the self-serve security lanes.

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Why is the TSA offering a self-service security option?

The TSA sees a need for innovative screening options that make going through airport security as smooth as possible for travelers while maintaining public safety, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.

Growing passenger traffic has sparked the need for solutions. From Jan. 1 to March 5, the TSA screened between 1.6 million and 2.8 million passengers each day nationwide. During that period, TSA screened a greater number of passengers compared to 2022 on all but three days.

"This self-service prototype allows our trusted travelers to complete the screening process at their own pace," Pekoske said. "Testing at the Innovation Checkpoint in Las Vegas gives us an opportunity to collect valuable user data and insights, and explore opportunities to apply parts of the prototype to other airport security checkpoints."

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When will self-service security expand to other airports?

It's too early to say.

TSA officials and members of Homeland Security's S&T Directorate will evaluate how well the self-service checkpoints worked in Las Vegas before announcing next steps or expansion to other airports.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work at The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, aims to help people navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.