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Today, online booking megasite Orbitz.com rolled out a new feature that can best be described as really, really neat:
Passengers can log in and alert other travelers to the precise location of the longest or shortest lines, the time it takes to get through TSA screening, the degree to which the roads to the terminal are clogged with traffic, or anything else that’s useful to know about the airport that day.

The free feature just launched in beta today, but once it’s fully operational, with multiple reports from the field, it could be a great resource for travelers looking to move through airports more efficiently.

OrbitzTLC Traveler Update, as it’s being called, also pulls in more traditional flight status, traffic, and airport security information, which in itself is a nice feature. But it’s the public input (call it Web 2.0 if you absolutely must) that really makes this a great idea — one that I wish I had thought of myself. The service is accessible on mobile devices as well as via the Orbitz website.

With multiple voices posting updates, there’s sometimes contradictory information. Take these comments left by travelers in the Charlotte-Douglas Airport section. These were left within minutes of each other:

Avoid security checkpoint lines at Checkpoints B & C. The lines are shorter at A & D.

vs.

Skip the C Concourse security line. You can “fly” through the B check point!

At least they agree that you want to avoid C. The speed of B is up for debate.

Related:
- Orbitz.com (aff)

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