Moving the Masses

Historically, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for air travel in the United States. Even with a 10 percent decrease from last year in passengers flying over the 12 day holiday season, The Air Transport Association is projecting 4.5 million passengers will fly between Wednesday and Sunday; 1.5 million on Wednesday, 1 million on Thursday and 2 million on Sunday as people return from the Thanksgiving holiday.

While flying at any time can be challenging and stressful, the increased number of passengers during the holiday flying season can push it over the top. Increased security since 9-11 and ongoing cost saving measures taken by the airlines continue to add stress to what is already a less than pleasurable experience. 

Is relief on the way? While I can’t speak highly of any changes I’ve noticed from the airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and US Customs and Border Patrol are trying to ease the burden of going through security at our nation’s airports.

Earlier this year, the TSA started experimenting with a new system dubbed Diamond Lanes. Security lanes are designated according to traveling style: expert traveler, casual traveler, or families and special assistance. The goal of the program is to allow travelers to pass through security at their own pace; reducing the level of stress. If you’ve traveled with children, you know how challenging it can be to assist them with removing their shoes, collecting all their electronic toys into the appropriate bag, or dismantling a stroller or car seat to fit through the scanners. It’s challenging enough, but even more stressful for them as they feel pressured from the business traveler behind them who is hurrying to catch his next flight. Imagine the business traveler’s frustration. Program tests across the country proved positive and the TSA expanded the Family Lane Program to all security lanes last week.

By now, most travelers are familiar with the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. This restricts passengers to containers no larger than 3 ounces to be carried onto the plane either on their person or in their carry on baggage. All liquids must be sealed in a one quart plastic bag and passengers are limited to one bag.  Advances in TSA x-ray machines will soon enable the systems to distinguish between a bottle of soda and a liquid explosive. TSA officials plan to roll out 600 new machines by year-end and hope to announce changes to the 3-1-1 rule by the end of 2009. 

International travelers returning to the United States may soon find reentry through Customs a whole lot easier. US Customs and Border Patrol has introduced the Global Entry system at several major airports around the country. For $100 dollars and a copy of your fingerprints, US citizens can bypass long passport-checking lines and proceed directly to baggage claim. Global Entry utilizes self-service kiosks where passengers can scan their passport, fingerprints and answer a few questions on the screen and be on their way. Only travelers deemed “Low Risk” are eligible for the program. Nearly 5,000 people nationwide have already signed up for the program.

These changes may not guarantee a stress-free flying experience, but it’s encouraging to see our government agencies recognize some of the problems and are working toward making our experience a better one.