The Launceston Airport’s reconfigured security screening section was brought into action on Thursday.
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It’s the change travellers will notice most in the airport’s $2 million terminal upgrade.
The security screening section has been brought forward in the terminal layout, so that travellers pass through immediately after checking in.
They are then free to relax in the cafe and retail space before moving to the boarding gates, the airport’s commercial and business development manager Michael Cullen said.
The updated screening area also includes a second screening desk to deal with increasing passenger numbers, a move that has been in the pipeline for at least two years.
Mr Cullen said the second screening line would be brought into operation during peak travel times, such as school holidays, and the December to January period.
While the new security process opened on Thursday, it will be about a month until the final details are put on the overhaul.
Mr Cullen said new digital departure and arrival boards would be installed, similar to those in the new domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport.
It will also mean that passengers’ friends and family will be able to accompany them through security, and be with them until they board their flight.
“A big part of travel is family and friends,” Mr Cullen said.
“We’ll be encouraging people to now relax. They’ve gone through security screening, which is the most anxious part of their travel,” he said.
“The next thing they’ll be doing is getting on a plane.”
The downstairs waiting rooms are now accessible directly from the secure terminal lounge.
A glass wall has been built to separate the lounge and the baggage collection hall.
Arriving passengers, once they ascend from the lower level, will enter into the baggage hall through secure hallways.
The upgrade also includes new toilet and shower facilities in the check-in hall.
The redevelopment was announced in December 2016, and work began in March this year.
In 2015, the airport’s retail and restaurant space was treated to a $6 million redevelopment.