The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) experimented with express security lanes in Salt Lake City, UT and Denver, CO in early March on a voluntary basis. According to an article from CNN, the “diamond lanes” separate individuals on the basis of travel experience ranging from slow lanes for families with children, disabled persons or casual travelers, and faster lanes for experts at security checkpoints. Color coded diamond shapes on the floors designate the way for travelers with security officials guiding each person to their appropriate place. Hopefully, the diamond system will allow easier traveling during peak seasons, especially at large airports such as O’Hare and LAX, once the test sites show improvement.
As an experienced international traveler for 17 years, I saw express security lanes for families and first class travelers shortly after 2001 in Japan and Germany. O’Hare International Airport is the most difficult checkpoint for most travelers due to the fact that most people ignore new security rules and fail to arrive early. Most airport security workers are not patient and are scarce on the grounds. Additionally, check-in attendants do not greet as nicely as they once did, nor are they cooperative. Regardless, international travel is more organized at certain airports around the world than the United States.
Has the TSA lived up to serving U.S. travelers since 2001 compared to other countries? Most likely the answer is “no.” The “diamond lanes” may improve speed at security checkpoints; however good manners as well as patience from both travelers and airline workers should also be a priority for easier traveling in the United States. Without a doubt, if the TSA examined other international airport security tactics, the “diamond system” would be implemented earlier. In all, the TSA needs to adopt and compare security organization structures to provide excellent service for travelers and a comfortable, stress-free environment.
Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/03/03/tsa.fast.lanes/