The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be checking passengers’ temperatures at select airports next week.
People familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that additional details would be unveiled in the near term. The program is expected to roll out at 12 airports next week and will cost $20 million to implement. Thermal check fees will be waived for travelers and likely billed to the federal government.
TSA agents will use handheld thermal devices and thermal sensors mounted on tripods to flag travelers if they register over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sources also said TSA’s managing of thermal checks does not fall within its security mandate. At this time, the source said details are limited.
An administration official said a thermal check pilot program was conducted at Washington Dulles International Airport in April.
