Objectives and Scope

JFK staff requested the Port Authority to develop a simulation model of the federal inspection services and baggage claim processes. Upon development and validation, the model would be used to evaluate alternative plans, facilities and equipment, and operations in terms of their expected service levels and adequacy to handle future projected demand. It was agreed that the full federal inspection system from" blocking"(arrival at gate) of the aircraft through immigration processing, baggage delivery and pick up, and customs inspection should be modeled because these operations are integral to the system. Desired evaluative data included estimates of flows, queues, and space requirements for each process as well as the expected elapsed times for different categories of passenger from block time to clearing of customs. The initial application, described later, was to evaluate alternative plans to replace existing baggage claim devices, because some extended delays were occurring during peak periods.