Remember back in the 70’s and 80’s and even before, when you wanted to fly somewhere, you just paid for your ticket, went to the airport, checked in at the counter, went to the gate and left when the plane did.
Now, the security lines are horrendous in most airports and a 30-45 minutes wait is customary, then you have to almost undress, get randomly checked and patted, and finally get to your gate all out of sorts.
The Transportation Security Administration has had numerous complaints about this the past few years, even some congressmen have had their say. So after some pilot projects on a speedier screening program, they are implementing a program called Pre-check, which has separate lines for those folks who are signed up for the program.
I watched it in action on our trip to the Caribbean and Alaska earlier this summer and it is faster. They go through a separate line; the agent checks their tickets and credentials, and they are on their way, leaving their shoes on and laptops in the bag, while I stood enviously waiting in another line.
You don’t think this is free, do you? Think again. TSA is inviting anyone who can pass a background check with fingerprinting to join the program with a one-time fee of $85, good for 5 years. They are expanding the service first in Washington Dulles and Indianapolis, and if successful will expand it nationwide.
They are expecting around 88,000 the first 6 months and close to 400,000 to register during the first year. So far in their pilot programs, 12 million travelers have passed through Pre-check, but don’t get too excited about that number, there are 1.8 million airline passengers per day.
I’m thinking that at that rate, TSA can help all of us pay off our national debt. They’ll need less people standing around if this goes off, and at $85 a person for 400,000 people, that’s pretty good pocket change!!! Other than lining their pockets, I wonder what they are going to do with all that money; there was no plan mentioned in the report.
Bear in mind, I’m not knocking good security; we all need that, and obviously have been standing in long lines for several years to prove we are sincere about having good security. Really though, it could be thorough and friendly at the same time.
Speaking of thorough and friendly, just give the travel agents at The Travel Factory a try at helping you manufacture the vacation of your dreams. We exist to serve, and your pocketbook won’t be embarrassed when we are through. We are at 4150 Southwest Drive, at the Plaza at Park Central, or call us at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040.