What type of security is involved in screening at the airport?

Screening is a critical component of airport security that directly involves the process of checking passengers and their belongings for prohibited items or security threats before they board an aircraft. This process is essential for ensuring the safety of travelers, crew members, and the aircraft itself. Screening typically includes the use of advanced technologies, such as X-ray machines and metal detectors, as well as manual checks by security personnel.

The focus of screening is to identify and eliminate potential security risks through thorough inspections of baggage, personal items, and, in some cases, passengers themselves. This proactive approach to security helps to prevent dangerous items, such as weapons or explosives, from being taken aboard.

While access control, surveillance, and patrols are important aspects of airport security, they serve different purposes. Access control ensures that only authorized personnel can enter specific areas, surveillance involves monitoring activities through cameras and other means to detect suspicious behavior, and patrols involve security personnel walking through the area to deter and detect incidents. Screening, however, is the specific activity that directly relates to passenger and baggage checks before boarding, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.