Wow, that does seem like a CF. However, I wonder why the airlines aren't protesting against the SF system if it would cause such a CF? I mean, capitalism almost always win over security, as proven in the past, and the airlines know how important it is to run things on time and effectively, especially in this weak economy, when it's already a struggle for them. So why aren't they howling against Secure Flight if it would cause all the problems outlined above?
And, just to play devil's adovocate, but don't we already technically get government permission to travel? Because of the NFL, and because the airlines are doing the checking for us, running our names through a government database, so therefore aren't we already sort of getting permission to travel? I hope that makes sense.