Bye bye long security lines at airports

US airports roll out a new program designed to speed travelers through security lines. Called Registered Travelers (or RT), the program is currently being tested in six US airports and is expected to operate on a national scale next year.

First proposed in November 2002 by the US Senate Aviation Subcommittee chairman, Kay Bailey Hutchison, the program is under the supervision of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and will soon cover more than 20 major airports around the US from the current six airports.

Registered Travelers (RT) will allow more passengers to pass more quickly into secure areas, easing congestion at checkpoints and reducing waiting lines as well as allowing screeners to focus their efforts more efficiently and effectively.

In a study, the General Accounting Office (GAO) found that security related delays has discouraged travelers of short distances (750 miles or less) from flying, costing the aviation industry up to US$2.5 billion in lost revenue since September 11, 2001.

"The hassle-free system will entice more people back to the air, further helping struggling airlines improve their bottom lines," added an airline analyst. "The last six passengers generally make a difference between profit and loss on a flight."

To become a Registered Traveler, a passenger must pay a one-time fee of US$100, go through a background check and a biometric iris scan. On average, RT lanes can process three times more people than normal security lines.

TSA said it is expecting to operate RT on a national scale next year.

(credits to: Yusof Sulaiman l eTN Asia)