St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport In-Line Baggage Check Inspection System
Clearwater, Florida
The Ticketing A In-Line Baggage Inspection System project at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a modernization of the airport’s baggage handling infrastructure, involving the renovation and expansion of approximately 20,000 square feet of back-of-house space in Terminal A. The project upgraded the terminal’s baggage processing by installing a new in-line baggage handling system to serve the ticketing area for several airlines. As part of this effort, a new exterior addition was constructed – a concrete slab and steel-framed canopy structure were built to house a modern baggage carousel, extending the terminal footprint and providing covered protection for luggage operations. Inside the terminal, the scope included refurbishing the existing ticket counters and airline office areas, integrating them with the new system, and updating the passenger-facing facilities. A key technical component of the project was the installation of two L3 inline baggage scanners (high-capacity TSA-certified screening machines) with infrastructure provisions to add a third scanner in the future. These advanced scanners form the heart of the in-line inspection system, significantly improving the efficiency and security of checked luggage handling for Terminal A.
In executing this project, Manhattan coordinated construction carefully within an active airport environment, ensuring there were no disruptions to ongoing operations. The end result is a state-of-the-art baggage system that streamlines the check-in process: bags checked at Terminal A ticket counters are now automatically conveyed through the screening machines and onward to the carousels, rather than being manually handled. This in-line system enhances operational efficiency for the airport and airlines by speeding up baggage throughput and reducing wait times. Additionally, the new canopy-covered carousel and renovated ticketing areas improve the overall experience for passengers and staff, offering a more spacious and organized environment for baggage drop-off and collection. The project was designed by Michael Baker International.