Final answer:
The protection for passengers and property at airports is mandated through an Airport Security Plan, International Aviation Standards, Security Directives, and legislative acts like the Passenger Protection Act. Since 9/11, airport security has tightened, causing longer wait times, which represents a significant opportunity cost. These security measures are crucial for safe travel despite the inconvenience to passengers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protection for Passengers and Property at Airports
The requirements to achieve protection for passengers and property at airports are outlined in a variety of documents and regulatory measures, including the Airport Security Plan, which is tailored to the individual airport's needs and layout, and Security Directives issued by governing bodies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Additionally, International Aviation Standards, largely developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), provide guidelines that are available worldwide to ensure consistency in safeguarding civil aviation. Furthermore, legislative measures like the Passenger Protection Act can also dictate certain requirements for airlines and airports to follow in order to protect the traveling public.
Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, security screening has become more intense, which has led to a significant increase in the length of time passengers spend waiting at airports—an opportunity cost that isn't measured in monetary terms but in time. As the DOT reported, with almost 900 million passengers traveling in 2015, the impact of such screening on the overall efficiency of air travel is considerable. Nonetheless, these measures are essential for maintaining safety and preventing acts of terrorism or other security breaches.
Some of the biggest costs associated with airport security are not financial but come in the form of these delays and reduced convenience for travelers. Despite these challenges, passenger and luggage screening procedures are crucial for providing security and are parts of a comprehensive airport security strategy that is necessary in the modern world.