Did airport security exist before 911?

Before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, airport security was not nearly as stringent as it is today. Passengers were not required to take off their shoes or go through full body scanners. Luggage was not routinely searched and items such as pocket knives and lighters were allowed on board. However, airport security was not completely nonexistent. Metal detectors were used to screen passengers and their belongings, and luggage was sometimes searched. These measures were not always effective, as evidenced by the fact that the 9/11 hijackers were able to smuggle box cutters and other weapons onto the planes. After the attacks, the United States government implemented a number of changes to improve airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to oversee security procedures, and stricter measures were put in place to screen passengers and their belongings. Today, airport security is much tighter than it was before 9/11. Passengers are required to take off their shoes and go through full body scanners. Luggage is routinely searched and items such as pocket knives and lighters are not allowed on board. These measures have helped to make flying safer, but they have also caused delays and inconvenience for passengers.