What is the purpose of a pre-flight security screening process?

The purpose of a pre-flight security screening process is primarily to prevent prohibited items from being taken aboard an aircraft. This is a critical aspect of aviation security, as it aims to protect passengers, crew, and aircraft from potential threats, including weapons, explosives, and other dangerous materials that could compromise safety during a flight. By thoroughly screening baggage and passengers, security personnel can identify and confiscate items that could be used to cause harm.

While verifying passenger identities and ensuring that all passengers are on the flight are also important aspects of airline operations, they serve different objectives and are not the primary focus of the pre-flight security screening process. Checking the weight of luggage, although a practical logistical consideration, does not relate to security screening and thus does not align with the main goal of safeguarding passengers and the aircraft.