Does this strike anyone else as odd?

[Don]

http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/tsa-o...et-more-fliers-speed-through-lines-6C10701860

Under the Transportation Security Administration's Precheck program, only travelers who were members of the frequent flyer programs of some air carriers were eligible for expedited screening. On Friday, TSA Administrator John Pistole said beginning later this year U.S. citizens will be able to enroll online or visit an enrollment site to provide identification, fingerprints and an $85 enrollment fee.

If I recall correctly, TSA has no ties to the actual airlines themselves. They're government-funded through Homeland Security. Please feel free to correct me.

So I can buy an airline ticket; and if I've paid for some membership with the airlines, or I join a frequent flyer program through my credit card company; AND now I can pay the government to speed me through the security line.

If I don't have a frequent flyer program membership, or I don't pay the government, I have to take a slower route.

Those of you who are more familiar with the governmental/legal processes -- this sounds to me like TSA is saying they'll inhibit--not keep you from, but inhibit--travel if you don't pay the "toll."

Please feel free to set me straight.

 

[InTheLight]

http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/tsa-o...et-more-fliers-speed-through-lines-6C10701860

Those of you who are more familiar with the governmental/legal processes -- this sounds to me like TSA is saying they'll inhibit--not keep you from, but inhibit--travel if you don't pay the "toll."

Please feel free to set me straight.

That's one way to look at it.

There will be expedited pre-screened lanes through security. It's possible you might not need to remove your shoes and/or belt and/or jacket or remove your laptop from its case.

If you don't pay the expedited fee, you will be treated the same as anyone else and it will take you the same amount of time to clear security as everyone else.

No, it doesn't strike me as being odd, in fact, it strikes me as government trying to be responsive to people's needs. Plus showing a little bit of capitalism. The $85 fee is good for five years. If I were a frequent flyer I would sign up immediately. Just the savings in time because I wouldn't be standing in a cattle line waiting to clear security would be worth $17 a year. Also think of the benefit of not having to get to the airport 2 hours before flight departure.

 

[Don]

You're probably right. This has been a stereotypical Monday (forgot my hearing aid, spilled tea in my lap, dropped my cellphone, the guy I was trying to hire backed out on me....); so my perception of the story is probably colored. I'll look at it again later.