To coincide with National Work Like a Dog Day held annually on August 5, officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Boise Airport on Thursday highlighted the role explosive detection canine Lubo and his law enforcement handler play in transportation security at BOI.
The TSA utilizes explosive detection canines to supplement its security operations at airports nationwide. These working dogs, paired with human handlers, are trained to detect explosives and explosives components. They can regularly be seen working throughout the aviation environment as a visible layer of security to supplement efforts to keep travelers safe and secure.
“Explosive detection canines and their handlers are valuable partners with TSA. Because these specially-trained canines are able to sniff out odors undetected by humans, they can conduct a real-time threat assessment of an area, alerting their handler to the potential presence of an explosive,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho Andrew Coose. “We join with the entire BOI aviation community and ‘raise a paw’ in honor of working canines everywhere. Thank you, Lubo, for your service to the traveling public in the Treasure Valley.”
Because explosives are known to be the greatest threat to the aviation system, canines are an effective tool to detect explosives or explosive materials. The canines are regularly tested to ensure they maintain a high standard of operational effectiveness. Their presence also serves as a deterrent against those who would like to disrupt the transportation system.
At BOI, travelers can see Lubo, a 5 ½ year-old male Labrador Retriever, anywhere around the airport. He learned his explosive detection skills at TSA’s Canine Training Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Lubo works at the airport alongside his handler Anthony, a 24-year veteran of the Boise Police Department. Lubo and Anthony have been paired up at BOI for the past 3 ½ years.
In addition to working in support of aviation security, Lubo and Anthony have also worked to secure large venues and events including Boise State University football games and concerts. They can also be deployed to support security operations at major sporting events, political conventions and other national security events at locations across the country.
Outside of work, Lubo enjoys going for long walks on the greenbelt, swimming in the Boise River and napping in the sun. While Lubo is social, he is a working dog and should not be petted or fed by anyone except his handler.
National Work Like a Dog Day is held annually on August 5 to celebrate the drive and excellent work ethic of canines as they serve alongside their human partners in a variety of roles. In addition to being a security asset, they can be trained to take on tasks ranging from search and rescue; therapy and service roles; as well as companionship as a person’s best friend.
August summer travel update
The 2023 summer travel season is shaping up to be the busiest on record locally at BOI and nationwide. Because of continuing growth in the number of departing travelers from BOI, late last year, the airport increased the capacity of the security checkpoint, adding an additional screening lane.
With the additional lane TSA is able to screen a maximum of 1,100 travelers per hour when all lanes are open. TSA staffs the security checkpoint based on the projected number of travelers scheduled to depart BOI. The projections are made in partnership with the airport and airlines and directly correlate to the number of flights departing BOI.
The busiest times at the BOI security checkpoint are 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. TSA continues to underscore that there is no substitute for arriving at the airport early and prepared regardless of when you are traveling.
Travelers have the ability to impact the efficiency of the airport travel and security screening experience. Here are some ways we can all work together for a smooth screening experience:
Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags prior to leaving home. Ensure that carry-ons do not contain prohibited items since they slow down the security screening process. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
Use your time wisely in the security checkpoint queue. Have your photo ID ready. Don’t wait until you approach the TSA officer who is checking IDs to look for it. Empty your pockets prior to arrival in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind.
Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Whether you travel regularly or infrequently, it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. BOI has security screening technologies in use that may allow travelers not to present a boarding pass during the travel document checking process or leave all items in their carry-on luggage as it is screened by the X-ray. Listen up for directions that will make for a more streamlined, convenient and time-saving passenger experience.
Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Sunscreen, creams, bug spray and other liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. If a traveler brings liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA will have to conduct a bag check, which slows the screening process for that traveler and everyone in line behind them. Any liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should travel in checked baggage.
Eligible for TSA PreCheck? Enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Be sure that your airline reservation has your correct KTN and date of birth so you can “Travel with Ease.” Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time you travel. TSA offers the TSA PreCheck experience at every airport nationwide, so this is a guaranteed way to save time and have a more convenient experience.
