The Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) today announced the expansion of its popular
"Self-Select Lanes" to six additional airports by
the end of April.
Salt Lake City International and Denver
International Airports instituted the self-select
lane process two weeks ago and have seen an
overall increase in throughput and greatly
increased customer satisfaction. The term "Black
Diamond" comes from the signs used in skiing to
denote skill level suggested for specific
runs.
"In keeping with Secretary Chertoff's
instruction to examine our screening procedures,
TSA is looking for ways to improve the passenger
screening experience while increasing security,"
said Kip Hawley, TSA administrator. "Simple yet
effective, this program empowers passengers and
gives federal security directors a way to create
operational efficiencies at their
checkpoints."
Self-Select Lanes are comprised of a series of
lanes designated by signage that directs
passengers based on their travel needs and
knowledge - Expert, for the business traveler who
flies several times a month; Casual, for
passengers that travel less frequently, but are
familiar with the security process; and
Family/Special Assistance, for passengers
traveling with small children or strollers,
elderly passengers and passengers who may need
special assistance.
While expert travelers
have experienced a significant reduction in wait
times, TSA has also observed the family lane
running much smoother as well. By giving families
more time to prepare for screening, we are
discovering many less prohibited items during the
screening process.
"What we have seen is a calmer checkpoint,
happier passengers and significantly lower wait
times for the most experienced travelers," said
Salt Lake City Federal Security Director Earl
Morris. "This is a win-win situation. Security is
best served by a calm screening environment and
the passengers get a less stressful, more
efficient security experience."
TSA is in the process of selecting additional
airports based on input from our partners. Airport
selection is based on a number of factors,
including checkpoint configuration, stakeholder
support and passenger population.
To watch a video of the Black Diamond
Self-Select Lanes in action, please visit www.tsa.gov (wmv, streaming). To
view passenger response on this and other TSA
innovations, visit www.tsa.gov/blog.