Summary Throughout the history of aviation, the importance of airport security has continued to grow. Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, many changes have taken place at airports to prevent such an attack from happening again. The purpose of this article is to: describe airport security procedures, discuss the different technologies involved in airport security, as well as examine the components of airport security. Additionally, I will also discuss the Transportation Security Administration's role in securing our nation's airports. Airport SecurityAirport security is a necessity of life in America and around the world. Without airport security, our airports would not be able to operate and terrorist attacks resembling those of September 11, 2001 would be more frequent. Passengers are reportedly afraid to fly for fear of such a terrorist attack happening again. The airline industry would lose more revenue due to lost ticket sales. Airports themselves would then lose money due to the lack of passengers boarding at their gates. Ultimately, this lack of security would ripple through the entire economy, not only in the communities surrounding the airport and the aviation industry, but also in the national economy. To prevent this economic failure coupled with another terrorist attack from occurring, our nation must take appropriate steps to prevent it. » Wells and Young (2004, p. 280). For this to happen, airports must become more proactive rather than reactive to possible threats such as: hijacking, explosive devices on board aircraft or any other possible criminal acts that could occur on board an aircraft . To achieve this, President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act on November 19, 2001. This law was a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and from this law, the Transportation Security Administration was created. Security Information TSA's goal is to protect all of the nation's transportation systems to ensure the freedom of movement of people and commerce. Commercial aviation has been a long-standing target for terrorists. Since the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, the subst......middle of paper......from key entry to combination locks, to advanced identification authentication machines. Security lighting can also be used to aid in perimeter security. It is located near high traffic areas, aviation service areas, as well as other operations and maintenance areas. Patrols from airport staff and security as well as local law enforcement may also be used to secure the perimeter around an airport. This document has covered the many different aspects of airport security. It is important to keep in mind that procedures, regulations and technologies associated with airport security are constantly evolving. However, it is through these changes that our nation's airports will show steady improvement in the safety and security of the passengers who visit them.ReferencesTransportation Security Administration. (February 20, 2004). Capps II at a glance. Retrieved from the Transportation Security Administration website: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=5&content0900051980088d91Wells, AT and Young, SB (2004). Airport security ch. 8. In L. Hagar (Ed.), Airport Planning and Management (5 ed., pp. 279-307). New York: McGraw-Hill.