update

Heard on the Street

The federal government’s Registered Traveler program is running into problems even before it begins. That’s too bad, because in concept it makes sense.

Under the plan, participating passengers would pay a fee of around $80, provide fingerprints and other personal data, and move quickly through special security lines at airports where such treatment is available.

That should reduce the number of nonparticipants waiting in the other lines.

But trade associations for airports and the airline industry have been griping about potential difficulties. They worry that if one existing airport security lane is taken over for Registered Travelers that could back up lines at the other lanes — defeating the purpose of the program.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration has announced that it will charge between $140 and $300 an hour to staff Registered Traveler lanes. The money would be used to pay screener wages.

No doubt that’s one reason only 13 airports have signed up to participate (Kansas City International isn’t one of them).

But surely these difficulties aren’t insurmountable. One of the companies that will administer the program suggests that some security lanes could have a dual-use function, meaning they would be open to regular passengers when no Registered Travelers are present.
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And in any case, TSA officials say the program won’t be installed in any airport where it’s likely to make non-Registered Travelers endure longer waits.
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(well, that's everywhere isn't it?)



If the plan proves impractical, frequent travelers will continue to unnecessarily lose time. But it makes little sense to ditch the idea before a proper trial.

It’s probable that once the program gets under way, the bugs can be worked out and the number of airports where the service is available will increase