Sherri_Ly's Blog

Today the Transportation Security Adminstration showed us a new "prototype" of a kinder gentler airport security checkpoint.  It comes with cooler lighting and ambient music to "calm" passengers.  The TSA says making passengers happy is really about security.  They use behavioral profiling to identify potential high risk passengers (aka terrorists).  If everyone is angry,  upset or anxious then it makes it harder to identify those who are potential terrorists.

It was quite fascinating.  In their effort to make people happier the "Checkpoint Evolution" as it's aimed at moving people through easier and faster.  They have these cool automated bin return machines.  No more waiting for someone to bring more bins.  If you leave something behind in the bin it doesn't return so you don't forget anything.  It will detect something as small as a business card.  They have created areas for passengers to get their things together for security.  A bench to take shoes off for those who need it, a tabletop area to take out those liquid or gel items that need to go in a bag if you forget.

They're also retraining all TSA officers to be more polite and to greet passengers one on one instead of yelling orders "get our your tickets!" , "take your shoes off," etc... Oh and no more embarrassments when they yell "need a female assist" when you have to be searched.  They'll have wireless radios to more discreetly ask for help.

If you want to see it in the works yourself the TSA is testing the prototype at BWI Marshall Airport beginning sometime in May.  I'm curious if it will really work.

The other interesting thing-- although not part of the BWI experiment-- are Self Select Lanes.  Five airports are experimenting with this and more will be added tomorrow.  Basically there are three lanes at the checkpoint-- a Diamond Lane for Expert Travelers, a lane for casual travelers and one for families.  It's apparently worked very well in these test airports.  Expert travelers don't get frustrated by those who don't know the rules or families with kids that have strollers and car seats.  I think it's a great idea.

I'm not sure if the cooler colors and music will make me "calmer". But hey I'd welcome any change that will make things nicer.