US Airport security opens fast lanes

Ever since the attacks of 9/11, American airport security has been characterized by lengthy line-ups at security check-points, the requirement that passengers remove their shoes and belt for scanning, additional screening procedures, as well as frustrated travelers and some rather surly TSA agents. This situation may now start to improve, at least for frequent flyers and even casual travelers at a small handful of airports.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will open up fast lanes for frequent travelers and dedicates queues for other passengers. The program is called “Diamond Lanes” and it is still considered an experiment. As such, passengers should not expect it to be implemented at every airport—at least not in the immediate future.

The system allows for passengers to actually choose which lane they stand in. Separate lines will be available for families travelling together, those needing special assistance, as well as fast lanes for so-called “expert” travelers and dedicated queues for “casual” passengers. TSA is apparently experimenting with this new regime, in an effort to make all travelers more comfortable with the security screening process.

This new system has been implemented at the Salt Lake City and Denver airports, before expanding the service to other major hubs. Although the system will eventual involve registration, at the moment passengers can choose to stand in any of these lanes, each of which is colour coded. Blue lanes are for casual travelers, those marked with green circles are for families and anyone with special needs, while black diamonds are reserved for frequent flyers.