Hopkins expands Central security checkpoint
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Cleveland Hopkins International Airport this week unveiled a $4.8 million expansion of the Central security checkpoint, doubling the number of screening lanes from two to four.
Why it matters: Long security lines are a constant headache at Hopkins, especially during the early-morning rush and peak travel periods.
- It's one reason why Cleveland's airport consistently ranks at or near the bottom among midsize airports in customer satisfaction surveys.
The intrigue: All four lanes are reserved exclusively for TSA PreCheck travelers, so those hoping to take advantage of the faster lines will have to enroll in the program.
Zoom in: The project doubled the queueing space (from 150 to 300 linear feet), reconfigured the CLEAR area to improve passenger flow and renovated the nearby bathrooms.
- TSA also this week rolled out Touchless PreCheck at Hopkins, allowing eligible passengers to move through security without showing ID or boarding passes.
- The feature uses facial-recognition technology and is available only at the Central checkpoint.
The big picture: The expansion is considered a temporary "gap project" ahead of CLEvolution — Hopkins' full-scale terminal modernization plan.
- Construction on the new terminal is expected to stretch into the early 2030s.
What they're saying: "Reconfiguring and expanding the Central Checkpoint allows us to better accommodate passenger demand today while preparing the airport for future growth," Hopkins director Bryant Francis said in a statement.
Reality check: Even with the added lanes, TSA is still urging travelers to arrive early.
What's next: The first phase of CLEvolution — a new Gold parking lot — is expected to begin construction later this summer.