Hartsfield-Jackson Tests New Security Change

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – In the future, some kids won't go through the same level of airport security as adults. That change is already being tested at Atlanta's airport.

When she spoke to Congress Tuesday, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the Transportation Security Administration will make the change at airports nationwide. 6 of them, including Hartsfield-Jackson International, have been trying out the program all summer long.

"We're testing out a pilot where children under 12 may be able to keep their shoes on when they come through the security process," said TSA spokesman Jon Allen.

During the pilot phase, Allen says children were far less likely to face pat-downs than under the old system, which viewed all passengers as the same security risk. All airports will move towards alternative screening for children younger than 12 by the end of the month.