Reserve Your Place in an Airport Security Line?

Pretty soon, you might be able to reserve a spot in an airport security line. The Travel Transportation Security Administration is considering a reservation system that would assign travelers an approximate screening time — and hopefully entice them to travel during off-peak hours. Waits could be reduced to 5 to 10 minutes.

But the logic behind the system seems a bit faulty: passengers would have to arrive 20 to 30 minutes earlier than usual, and would have to pay a fee. Doesn’t arriving early defeat the purpose of reserving a place? So why would I pay just to wait on the other side of security?

More on the TSA:

Register for a
Fast Pass Through Airport Security

Travel Lessons We Can Learn From Summer 2007

Airport Security: Once You Go Through, There’s No Turning Back

I’m not the only naysayer; the article quotes several higher-ups in travel administration who believe a reservation system would be silly. Arguments against it include the fact that travelers already have an incentive to fly during off-peak times — lower rates. Also, many business travelers already belong to frequent flier clubs which reserve special security lines for their members.

I don’t mind the security line as long as I’m not in a hurry and I’ve got a book to read. It means I’m stretching my legs, preparing them for their long crunch when my plane is waiting in line on the tarmac.

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