Seasoned traveler? Go to the head of the security line
The Transportation Security Administration has expanded its new self-select classification system to another airport this month: Los Angeles. That makes 21 airports with the program, which has received mixed reviews from passengers and officials.
If you’re not familiar with the new system, here’s how it works:
When you approach the security checkpoint, you’ll notice there are three lanes you can choose from:
Expert - This is for those who are frequent travelers who know how to get through checkpoints quickly & efficiently, are very familiar with TSA procedures, are always prepared, and understand the 3-1-1 liquids policy.
Casual - This is for travelers who are somewhat familiar with TSA procedures, travel a few times a year, are not “expert” level and do not want to be rushed at the checkpoint.
Family/Special Needs - This is for families with small children or passengers with special needs, those who may require special assistance or extra time at the checkpoint, or customers who may or may not be familiar with TSA procedures.
The new system has gotten good reviews from travelers across the nation. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported last month that passengers like the lines.
Many travelers seemed pleased, if somewhat surprised, by the new system, which debuted April 22 in Pittsburgh, one of 12 cities to implement it. Pittsburgh was chosen to test the system because the airport authority embraced the concept and the landside terminal had enough space to accommodate it.
Ann Davis, spokeswoman for the TSA said that “there has been a 35 percent increase in number of people going through the security line in the same time frame.”
LeVanche Johnson, transportation security manager, told the Chicago Tribune it wasn’t foolproof.
You could find families taking the expert lane if they aren’t paying attention or consider themselves experts. On a weekday, you may find the expert lane clogged with frequent business travelers while the casual lane is practically empty.
Despite the shortcomings, this new system should help speed things up at the security.
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Comments
2 Responses to “Seasoned traveler? Go to the head of the security line”
Please share your thoughts...
I don’t know. If I know airport human nature, everyone will head to the shortest line. Why the system seems to be working would be a great psychology paper for some college student.
We live in Salt Lake City where this program actually started back in February and we think it works very nicely. People seem to choose the line appropriate for them because there isn’t the stress of being in “too advanced” of a line., even if it is shorter. I did find some “seasoned” travelers setting off the scanner with too much jewelry on (luckily in line behind me), but at least I wasn’t stuck behind a family with 5 kids, 3 carseats, 5 carryons, etc.
An article in the paper yesterday showed that it is working:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5620,700233420,00.html
It apparently cut 54% off the length of the wait over the Memorial Day weekend
http://www.deseretnews.com/cgi-bin/cqcgi_plus/@plus.env?CQ_SESSION_KEY=XMJYEETDQEYI&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=42&CQ_TEXT_MAIN=YES