I found an interesting article for frequent travelers. After passing a background check and paying $85, travelers can now apply for a "traveler number" that will allow them to bypass "some" of the rigorous security checks at "some" airports.
The article grabbed my attention in the lede with the promise of good news - and then I arrived at the fact that my airport (featured in the article) does not offer this feature. The Tri-City's airport only has five gates and offers very few direct flights. I guess our entire airport wouldn't even be equivalent to one terminal at Logan.
The article has some good reporting detail and good use of quotes from airport officials. As far as constructive feedback, the article's title is a bit misleading. Metal detectors will still be required - which is most of the hassle we currently endure. Travelers can pay to avoid a portion of the airport security checks is much more accurate.
How do you think this will impact future travel? Do you think it is safe to rely on background checks?
We do something very similar in nuclear power. In fact, we required a background check on every employee at the beginning of employment and every 5 years. The catch - our employees have to go through security checks each day - no exceptions.
Link:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/04/09/2919791/travelers-can-pay-to-avoid-airport.html?sp=/99/900/901/
"I'll take off my belt, I'll take off my shoes, but I'll be damned if I'll take off my underwear," posted after the Underwear Bomber was caught. I think we have this expedited service, although I'm not a frequent flyer. dps
ReplyDelete