The TSA's New Game Show: What's Your Line?
What's your flavor?
by Barbara S. Peterson
Amid all the new fees and policy changes airlines are inflicting on their customers this summer, the process of going through security is getting more, er, interesting. The Transportation Security Administration is testing a new concept that allows travelers to select a particular lane to stand in, based on their experience or needs. Currently in use at 21 airports, the system is designed to give frequent fliers, who presumably know their way around the security drill, a way to bypass a line clogged with inexperienced fliers.
The TSA apparently sees the traveling public in three basic flavors: "expert" (designated by a black diamond icon like those you see on ski slopes); "casual," meaning somewhat experienced; and "family/special needs." But as this whole idea depends on people's ability to rate themselves honestly--and let's face it, no one wants to end up in the longest lane--the system may not run as smoothly as the TSA intends. In fact, the other day, when I was at Kennedy Airport, a few travelers stopped to read the "What's Your Lane?" signs TSA had posted around the terminal to explain the routine, and many appeared to be befuddled by the new designations.
And what about the business travelers who it would seem have the most to gain from the new protocol?
Actually there are already other fast-lane options, including the private sector registered traveler programs that are in effect at some 20 airports. And the airlines have priority lanes for first and business class customers as well as high-mileage frequent fliers. Both of those options would seem to offer far more consistency--and predictability is what the business flier cares about, judging from the more than 150,000 members who have signed up at $128 a pop for the most popular of the programs, CLEAR. In fact, they are even willing to pay for it.
Further reading:
* Black Diamond Self Select Lanes
* Waiting for the All Clear (Condé Nast Traveler)
RSS Feeds
Comments