Set security staff levels to 100% two hours before your first flight wave.
Instead of one giant checkpoint, break down security into smaller, localized areas near specific groups of gates.
Before placing a single ID scanner, it's crucial to understand the rules of the Security Zone. In SimAirport , a Security Zone is an indoor, semi-enclosed area where passengers' identities and belongings are screened before they can access the secure areas of your airport, such as gates, hangars, runways, and taxiways. It is a non-negotiable barrier between the public and the sterile zones.
A core challenge is that different machines process passengers (PAX) at different speeds. Planning around the slowest unit—the or Body Scanner —is the standard strategy. simairport security layout verified
If you want to fine-tune your specific terminal design, let me know: What is your airport's current ? Are you using standard or advanced security technology?
Once the text "Security Layout Verified" flashes on the screen, the simulation begins in earnest. The benefits are immediate:
For maximum efficiency, you must manually assign machines to one another to create a forced path: Steam Community Assign Queue to ID Stand: Create a queue and use the tool to link it to your ID Check Stands. Assign ID Stand to Bag Scanner: This ensures passengers move directly to the next step. Assign Bag Scanner to Body Scanner/Metal Detector: This completes the verified lane. Dedicated Lanes: Create a small, separate lane for Flight Crew Set security staff levels to 100% two hours
As soon as your research budget allows, unlock and upgrade to the Advanced Baggage Scanner and the Body Scanner. While they take up slightly more physical footprint, their processing speed per passenger is significantly higher. When upgrading, maintain the same 2:1:1 ratio, but expect a 30% increase in total passenger throughput per lane. Exit Lane Placement
Stairs are bidirectional. Passengers can land on an upper floor, take stairs down to the ground floor, and then go to baggage claim 1.2.1.
(1) Smith, J. (2018). Airport security checkpoint design: A simulation-based approach. Journal of Airport Management, 12(2), 145-158. In SimAirport , a Security Zone is an
For a standard, highly efficient lane, arrange your objects horizontally or vertically using this exact ratio:
In the early game, a small, 1-scanner layout is fine. As your airport grows, immediately expand to the 2x4 layout described above.
Implementing a verified, high-throughput security layout ensures your passengers move smoothly from the check-in desk to their departure gates without delays. Core Principles of SimAirport Security