An airport security scorecard is a way to evaluate security in airports on a regular basis to determine their degree of effectiveness. This is used for not only baggage, but for air cargo security as well. This tool helps security efforts by assessing security in terms of financial perspective, customer perspective, and security perspective and in efficiency perspective. The metrics under the financial perspective include compensation for airport security personnel, training costs and cost of explosive detection systems. A number of steps in baggage loss fall under the customer perspective. The metrics included in the security perspective include the number of security checks and surveillance cameras utilized. The efficiency metrics include the number of suspicious cases and the length of time of each security check performed.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people and destroyed the World Trade Center, airport security has tightened significantly. The reason is simple; the airport is a common target for terrorism and crimes because of the influx of people every day. Airport administrators of major airports implemented stricter measures and invested millions of dollars into new security equipment. To evaluate the effectiveness of these new and improved security measures the airport safety scorecard was developed.

The term airport security refers to all methods and techniques that are used to protect not only the airport, aircraft but passengers as well. The United States Federal Aviation Administration declared that prevention of harm to aircraft, passengers and crewmembers and providing support to the country’s national security and counterterrorism policies was needed.

The purchase of state-of-the-art explosive detection machines and x-ray machines to screen passengers, their carry-on luggage and their checked in luggage has improved airport and air cargo security. Many airports also hired highly trained individuals as covert screeners of passengers who may be in the possession of bombs or deadly weapons. These people supplement the function of detection equipment that is already in use.

Worldwide implementation of tougher security regulations and better air cargo security solutions has been undertaken by major airports worldwide. Screening protocols now limit the number and types of items passengers can carry on board a plane as well as require a passenger present any government issued photo ID as proof of identification. Making security-screening protocols more efficient is necessary to alleviate any inconvenience to passengers is an ongoing priority for airport administration.