"Skiing" Through Airport Security

Susan Doherty — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:26:17 -0500

What’s the biggest hold-up when trying to get through airport security? Is it other travelers or the Transportation Security Administration’s keep-us-safe procedures? I’ve been traveling quite a bit lately and would have to say it’s often other travelers slowing me down. Which is why I'm intrigued by a new TSA program that could seperate travelers by speed and expertise. Not that some travelers are intentionally slow. Maybe they packed more than three ounces of shampoo in their carry-on. Or, their computer is buried under stacks of notes, papers and cords making it nearly impossible to dig out. Perhaps it was super-cold when they left their house at oh-dark-thirty in the morning. That would explain the coat, sweater, scarf and heavy boots they're now trying to lose. Jeez.

The Wall Street Journal today reports on the "Black Diamond" program, a new, self-segregated approach to getting through airport security that could prove helpful. At some airports, travelers may now choose which lane best suits them: Black Diamond for Experts Travelers, Blue for Casual Travelers, and Green for people with small children or special needs. The idea is that people will find the lane that best meets their needs, thereby allowing traffic to move through the checkpoints more quickly. So, is it working?

I experienced it firsthand last month in Denver. The funny (pathetic?) thing is that I saw the signs touting the lanes, then SLOWED down to ponder the details. Am I an expert traveler? Will I need some sort of proof (a tattered passport, for example) to be accepted? I’m feeling a bit casual today (my wardrobe certainly reflected that), so maybe I should head that way. And, what exactly qualifies as special needs or a family? Maybe I just want a little space from my husband. Actually, it wasn’t that long or drawn out, but I did pause momentarily to figure out what to do and where to go. Fortunately, the people in front of and behind me had the same delayed response. Now that I’ve read the WSJ article, I’ll be an expert when navigating the new system. Which begs the question - does that qualify me for the expert lane? What are your thoughts on and experiences with the new Black Diamond approach to airport security?

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"Skiing" Through Airport Security