The first airport-based traveler education initiative in the US - aimed at helping passengers through security screening - has been introduced at McCarran International, Las Vegas.

The TIPS (Traveler Information Pre-screening) program will be shown on a series of 25 computer-linked LCD monitors, which have been installed throughout the airport. The state-of-the-art messaging system will also enable airport officials to communicate quickly with passengers.

McCarran has registered record-breaking passenger traffic this year and domestic numbers are now second only to Los Angles International Airport.

"We expect our passenger count to continue increasing well into 2005," said Randall Walker, Clark County Department of Aviation director. "Every airport in the country is experiencing longer wait times in security. The difference now is that McCarran passengers will enjoy watching the TIPS programming and therefore be better prepared on entering the checkpoint."

Security at Las Vegas was further tightened from October 1st. Passengers must now have a boarding pass and a government-issued identification to go through security checkpoints.

(Reuters)