Originally Posted by
wetrat0
Well, we know that TSA already does this somewhat.. when it gets really backed up they start passing people through the metal detectors, which are a LOT faster.
In most airports I travel through, they DO NOT do this. The lines are allowed to back up with no use of the metal detectors. In some airports there is a directive that - regardless of backups - the metal detectors are not to be used (except for children/families and other specified exceptions).
Unclear the extent to which they're willing to increase this practice... at busy times it may be that the only way to keep lines from growing is to put all passengers through the WTMD.
THere is all the incentive in the world right now for them NOT to increase the practice. From the agency's perspective, making the lines grow will increase justification for more staff. From the Administration's perspective, longer lines will serve the political ends of forcing Congress and trying to change control of congress to all D in 2014. From the paranoia side, the powers that control agency risk avoidance will think that terry-wrists will see such a step as a vulnerability and "test" the system, therefore the guard should be
raised not
lowered.
I would assume that Pre-Check will be one of the first areas to close.