In what year were passenger and baggage screenings made mandatory?

In what year were passenger and baggage screenings made mandatory?

• A. 1969
• B. 1973
• C. 1985
• D. 1990

Answer: (B)

After a wave of hijackings in the late 1960s, aviation security shifted from partial, airport-by-airport practices to a formal, nationwide mandate. In 1973, federal rules established that all commercial airports must screen every passenger and every bag before boarding, creating a uniform security baseline across the system. This year marks the regulatory turning point, supported by the use of metal detectors for passengers and X-ray screening for baggage. Earlier years had only limited, pilot, or voluntary implementations, while later decades built on this foundation with further enhancements and expansions.

After a wave of hijackings in the late 1960s, aviation security shifted from partial, airport-by-airport practices to a formal, nationwide mandate. In 1973, federal rules established that all commercial airports must screen every passenger and every bag before boarding, creating a uniform security baseline across the system. This year marks the regulatory turning point, supported by the use of metal detectors for passengers and X-ray screening for baggage. Earlier years had only limited, pilot, or voluntary implementations, while later decades built on this foundation with further enhancements and expansions.