Would you pay a fee to reserve a time to pass through airport security?
First time here? Check out the site's "greatest hits" or read a random post from the archives. Feel free to ask a question, and consider subscribing to the latest posts via RSS or e-mail. Thanks for visiting!
The TSA is proposing a system that would allow travelers to book a specific time to pass through security checkpoints, much like they would make a reservation to dine at a restaurant. The system is designed to guarantee a short wait and create a “smoother flow.”
I’ll admit, I didn’t see this one coming, especially not from the TSA. But is it really a good idea?
Travelers reserving checkpoint slots probably would have to arrive earlier than usual, perhaps by as little as 20 to 30 minutes, [TSA Director Kip] Hawley said. They also would probably have to pay — either a fee for each reservation or an annual subscription for unlimited reservations at participating airports.Frequent business travelers would happily show up earlier if they “had a specific time at the checkpoint and weren’t going to have to waste time standing in line,” Hawley said.
Why would a person with a reservation need to be at the airport even earlier than before? If the TSA is giving away off-peak reservations, then those “slots” are already available to those who simply show up earlier. No reservation required.
Further, is it philosophically wrong for the TSA to sell access to security? Until now, the TSA hasn’t gotten into the crowd control business at all: TSA doesn’t control the lines, they’ve argued — just the security checkpoints themselves. The airlines and airports control the lines, which is how elite-security lines are justified. (Rightly, in my view.) That would be changing, with this plan.
Arguably, this is also a shot across the bow of services like Clear, which purport to get people through security faster, or at least get them to the front of the line faster. But for this really to work, and really appeal to frequent travelers, the TSA needs to offer reservations during peak times, with a separate line for people with reservations. I don’t think the TSA’s resources or the airports’ physical space will allow for that. But who knows.
So I wonder if Kip Hawley is right, and business travelers would happily show up earlier at a specified time if they knew they would pass through security more quickly. In theory, it leaves you more time to do work at the gate or in the lounge, but you’re still at the airport longer than otherwise.
And thus the question goes to you:
If you’re willing to pay, how much? Is this a reservation you’d make? Hit the comments!
(image)
RSS Feed / Subscribe
Subscribe to Posts by Email
September 25th, 2007 at 8:55 am |
The reservation thing is silly. Why would I want to pay a premium for a specific time when there are so many things that could delay me, from parking, shuttle, public transport, check-in lines, etc.?
I might pay for a premium, fast moving line (w/o a reserved time), especially at peak holiday travel times when the security lines move very slowly. But then we get into your philosophical questions…
September 25th, 2007 at 10:03 am |
Imagine you’re in Las Vegas and one of the perks of the hotel you’re staying in is “no-hassle” airport check-in. The resort would pay the fee for you and make sure you are there on time. Sounds pretty good to me. Resorts all over the country should be on board with this one …
September 25th, 2007 at 10:14 am |
Agree that this seems absurdly silly. If I could show up LATER and pay a fee, that makes sense. But if I have to show up earlier, why not just show up earlier and not pay the fee?
It doesn’t seem a competitor to CLEAR because CLEAR advocates not having to show up early. If it were trying to be competitive, it would do the same thing.
I think I’m missing something here.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:25 am |
Earlier? I skimmed over that part … makes the idea sound rather dumb.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:29 am |
London Heathrow has a similar set up but the fee is a first/business class ticket. If you are traveling in these classes, you have a different entrance to the immigration hall than the rest of the herd in cattle class.
For the US, it depends on what the fee is. If it is cheap enough and the uptake is too high, it may defeat the purpose of alleviating the crowds.
September 25th, 2007 at 3:38 pm |
Don’t think TSA’s idea is very attractive but Clear certainly has something I would consider pretty easily. Even if I only traveled 5-6 times a year, speeding through those security lines would be worth the $15-20 per trip price tag…If I was traveling more, it would be a no brainer. Will be interested to see if it comes to DIA.
September 25th, 2007 at 5:13 pm |
I would not be willing to pay for this service, as like anything with flying you could be delayed. I would be interested in that plan to have a special line for people who submitted detailed information, DNA sample or whatever else they asked for.
Heck, I would simply ask for a long enough counter so I could have room to unload my computer…!
mp/m
September 25th, 2007 at 10:45 pm |
I think the Kip and company need to spend more time trying to simplify and improve the effectiveness of ALL aspects of airport security (including allowing us to leave our shoes on and checking cargo) instead of spending time tinkering around the edges with gimmicks like this. I’d hope the TSA and HSA would use our tax dollars in more effective manners.
my $.02
September 25th, 2007 at 10:57 pm |
I know that TSA thinks of this as a service for business travellers, but I’m more likely to pay for it when I’m travelling with my kids.
The security checkpoint line is always the most stressful part of the trip with two little ones, and I don’t mind getting to the airport early as it allows us some time to feed them and run them around to tire them out before we board.
I’m sure they’ll set a flat fee or have a subscription, but it would probably work best if they priced it according to demand, with higher prices during peak travel periods and lower ones off peak (similar to the tollways in California)
Debbie
DeliciousBaby.com
September 27th, 2007 at 1:01 am |
[…] Link: Upgrade Travel Better […]
October 1st, 2007 at 2:09 am |
A very dumb idea. Instead of making screening more efficient and/or hiring more screeners they expect us to pay to turn up even earlier! Ridiculous. If it goes ahead, wait to see how long it takes them to manipulate waiting times to enhance their revenue.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:53 pm |
[…] Vía: Upgrade travel better […]
October 7th, 2007 at 4:08 pm |
Never mind the fact that my tax dollars would go into setting this up.