Two recent programs have been instituted nationwide to expedite airport security screening. One is the Clear program which allows the pre-screened member of this program access to express airport security lanes, and the other is the “Self-select Lane” or “Black Diamond” program from the TSA.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began instituting a pilot program for “Self-select Lanes” for airport security checkpoints in February 2008, and the program seems to be popular and resulting in improvements to screening and the passenger experience.
Salt Lake City and Denver International airports instituted the self-select lane process in February. On March 18, the Black Diamond Self-Select Lanes program expanded to Boston-Logan, Orlando and Spokane International airports.
According to the TSA, the self select
lanes are divided bases on travelers needs and knowledge into the
following three categories:
Expert: for the business
traveler who flies several times a month
Casual: for passengers that
travel less frequently, but are familiar with the security process
Family/Special Assistance: for
passengers traveling with small children or strollers, elderly
passengers and passengers who may need special assistance.
When reaching the security checkpoint, there is signage present indicating the presence of the separate screening lanes.
Aside from the added convenience to passengers, the TSA claims that these lanes will increase security by allowing the officers to more easily identify suspicious activity. Security checkpoint wait times have been reduced in Denver since the program was instituted, and fewer prohibited items are being discovered during the screening process.
Another program expediting airport security screening are the express passenger security lanes which are operated by Clear. Clear members are pre-screened upon enrollment, and then can use specially designated lanes at participating airports (13 as of March 2008). Passengers who successfully complete the enrollment process will receive a Clear identity card which expedites them through special security lanes. Passengers and their carry-on bags still undergo screening at the checkpoints. Clear cards are accepted at 13 U.S. airports (Albany, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, LaGuardia, Little Rock, New York JFK, Newark, Orlando, Reno, San Francisco, San José, and Westchester). Clear lanes will open later this month at the Denver International Airport. Washington, DC's Reagan National and Dulles Airports, and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport have announced plans to launch fast pass programs this winter. Oakland International Airport is also slated to begin this program. Enrollment for this program begins on-line at the clear website (http://flyclear.com) and then is completed in person at enrollment centers located at participating airports and a few other locations. A list of these locations is available on the Clear website. A Clear attendant will verify your identification, capture images of your irises and fingerprints, and take your photograph. Clear's first year price is $100 plus the TSA vetting fee of $28 for a total charge of $128.
For more information see:
TSA Announces Expansion of Diamond Lane Self-Select Pilot to Orlando, Boston, and Spokane Airports (http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2008/0318.shtm)
TSA Announces Expansion of 'Diamond' Self-Select Lanes (http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2008/0305.shtm)
Clear website (http://flyclear.com)
Remember - if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!
Happy Travels!
-Gus
