Practical Travel Safety Issues - Airports leery on traveler registry

Randy Walker, director of Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport, said Registered Traveler could make security lines longer for passengers not in the program.

"I don't think we should create a longer wait in line for the majority of people to provide a shorter line for a few people," Walker said.

:) ^ ^

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2006-04-18-airport-registry_x.htm

I'm satisfied with the current Elite-Priority-FC line setup at most airports. That way, there is no additional invasion of privacy required-- all you have to do to jump the line is pay more or fly more often.

This method seems much more constitutional (albeit capitalistic) to me than the "Registered traveler program".

Back in 2002 and 2003, enough FFers complained about the $100 fee in flying STANDBY for an earlier flight. And after a relatively short period of time, that went away.

I don't think the Elite lines will ever go away anytime soon. They are a perk that is completely cost-free to the airlines. At best, I can see them merging the Elite and Registry lanes. And the suckers who bought the registry thing waving their badge.

Further, all it takes is one rogue screener to crumble the house of cards in whatever expedites the registered traveler folks.

But if more and more airports complain about this program (we all know how will the TSA accepts passengers complaints), the more likely registered traveler won't make it through.

And the TSA fires back!!:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced its intent to proceed with Registered Traveler (RT) in the second half of 2006. TSA estimates that it will be prepared for a roll-out at 10 to 20 airports. These airports will come on line as the private sector operators make the necessary business arrangements with host airports and air carriers and get security approval from TSA for the proposed configuration. A phased approach to implementation will allow the agency to confirm the private sector's ability to provide interoperability among RT airports, evaluate the impact of alternate checkpoint processes on screening and wait times, and ensure that RT maintains the agency's high security standards. Subject to public demand for the RT Program, TSA would expect RT to operate on a national scale next year.
:rolleyes:
"TSA is working with airports and private sector providers, and we will enable the private sector to launch Registered Traveler programs as soon as this summer," said Assistant Secretary for TSA, Kip Hawley. "Security will be maintained, the program will be paid for by the private sector, and it will not disadvantage the general public when they fly."
:rolleyes:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060420/dcth046.html?.v=51

And the TSA fires back!!:
...
"Security will be maintained, the program will be paid for by the private sector, and it will not disadvantage the general public when they fly."

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060420/dcth046.html?.v=51

Of course TSA will not allow this to "disadvantage the general public when they fly", that job is already being done by TSA! :(