A Guide to Getting through TSA Checkpoints in Salt Lake City

Last week the Transportation Security Administration implemented a new pilot program in Salt Lake City. You will be able to self-select your TSA lane based on your ability, traveling companions and past travel experience. New security checkpoints have been modeled after the well-known ski sign icons: green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate and black diamond for expert. Ski travelers should instantly recognize and be familiar with the icon-signage in a region where skiing is a way of life.

Green Lane: Is suggested for families traveling with children or passengers that may need special assistance. These travelers probably don't travel often and might need to go at a slower pace, or need extra assistance with the security procedures.

Blue Lane: Will easily accommodate the Casual Traveler who may have multiple carry-ons and are somewhat familiar with security procedures. These travelers are not beginners, however they are probably do not travel for business or on a regular basics.

Expert, or Black Diamond Lane: These travelers are very familiar with the security procedures and are well prepared to proceed through the security check lane with the proper items removed, and they travel with limited carry-on luggage.

Security procedures will be the same regardless of witch lane you select. Passengers will ultimately decide the success of this pilot program. The TSA is hoping that these security checkpoints will operate more efficiently by allowing traveler to proceed at their own pace and by doing so will allow screeners to provide additional support for the travelers who need it most.

Future pilot programs: In the next few weeks Denver International Airport will be testing the "Black Diamond" concept. Later this year in Houston, Texas the TSA will be partnering with Continental Airlines and will be testing a paperless boarding pass. Burbank, California has already implemented a customized lane for travelers with only one carry-on item.

The TSA is asking you to share your experience using any of these regional pilot programs, or any other TSA checkpoint screening process at the new www.tsa.gov/blog.

I think this system could be very successful except for fact that people are usually so preoccupied and hurried at the airport and are not paying enough attention to even notice that they should select a lane in advance. Many are just sheep trusting that the guy ahead of them knows what he's doing. Since returning from my first ski vacation in Vail, Colorado in the early 80's I have felt that all highway and roads should be regulated similar to ski trails. Green/Beginners would be for drivers with limited skills, new drivers, senior citizens, and even fearful drivers. The Blue/Intermediate roads would welcome most drivers; they are drivers who drive on a regular basis and are not as a rule in a particular hurry. The highways and roads exclusively for Black Diamond/Expert drivers are the busiest roads with a high potential for accidents. The drivers that would be allowed on the Black Diamond roads drive for a living or at least drive often, have a good driving record and are in excellent health (especially their nervous systems!). It's just a thought.

For more information on the new TSA Lanes: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/saltlake_lanes.shtm

Be prepared, what you need to know before packing you carry-on bag:

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

Happy travels!