Mar 4, 2008
Segregation: Coming to an airport near you
If you have ever been in a hurry in catch your flight only to be held up at airport security by a family of five with a stroller, car seat, numerous carry ons and liquids totaling more than 3 oz. Read on, you may approve of the TSA’s latest initiative to speed up airport security lines.
Denver and Salt Lake City are testing a segregated security line system. New signs at the security entrance describe three groups of travelers; expert, casual and family. Travelers are expected to group themselves into three separate lines.
I’ve been behind the family I described above, why would I want to put myself in a line filled with such chaos? I guess my problem is that I don’t see my own family in such poor light. My family is the perfect security line family (Or so I think.)
I think we fall in the expert AND family categories. Each child, (even 4 year old Bridget) carries their own boarding pass through security. Each person brings one backpack or carry on. All lip-gloss and other liquids and gels are confiscated during the drive to the airport. There are no bottles or sip cups, no strollers or car seats. We don’t smoke so there are no contraband lighters. The ever-sinister terrorist favorite toenail clipper has long been discarded. We try to select security friendly shoes but fashion does come first, so we’re not always successful in that endeavor. Our biggest sin is that three of us carry laptops that need to be put in separate bins.
So what do you think? The next time I’m approaching the security line which segregated group should I choose? Eh, don’t answer that. I’m picking the shortest line and so would you.
I like the idea. Although, everyone will pick the expert line anyway especially if it is moving faster!! How many times have you gone through the 10 item or less line at the grocery store with more than 10 items?? Those three categories leave too much room for opinion, and any one who has traveled once thinks they are an expert. (Tina, you and your family are experts you can pick what ever line is the shortest!!)
I think the lines should be seperated by carry-on items:
1. one personal item only
2. one carry-on and one personal item
3. any other types of items (including strollers, animals, guitars , etc.)
This would mean the less you bring, the quicker you get through. It might be a good idea.
Also, just an FYI , the lighter ban has been lifted. You may carry disposable lighters on airplanes now. I found this out after disposing of mine a few months ago. But, it is always safe to double check the prohibited item list before traveling.
I can zip through security with my kids but my mother in law is another story. We traveled with John’s mom during the lighter ban. We couldn’t understand why they kept scanning her bag. Finally they did a hand inspection and pulled out a lighter. She chuckled devilishly, “Oh, I thought I hid it pretty good.” She’s no threat to our security but she certainly threatens my sanity.
Sundance vacations 8th grade basketball team will play this Saturday 3/29 at 10:00 am, at the Shamokin Annex. We will play the Galloway PAL, who will be making the journey up from southern New Jersey, who knows it could be possible that some of the fans from Galloway could be clients or future clients of Sundance Vacations.