Orlando Security Nightmare realized

While we discussed this in theory months ago, our worst fears seemed to have come true at Orlando earlier this month when TSA implemented the plan to have specific security lanes for seasoned travelers, moderate experienced and families/special needs.

From All Ears:...

from Sarah, responding to a report in last week's issue
about a new test program at the Orlando airport where you can
select your security lane based on specific criteria: Just
wanted to let you know when we went home on August 9 we weren't
allowed to select what line to go into. They were only allowing
families with small children and elderly if they wanted to go in
the one line, which meant those lines were empty and the rest
were backing up into a mobbed mess.

.

This was in place when we left Orlando on July 2nd and it was one of the smoothest and quickest trips through security I've had since the Homeland Security implemented all the new security procedures.

My wife and I went through the expert line. I felt that since I'm a road warrior for work, I could easily tell my wife what she needed to do to qualify as an "expert" traveler...LOL

I think I would consider myself expert too, what sort of things makes one an expert as far as the TSA is concerned?

We weren't asked any questions. They had a little placard that explained each "type" of traveler. But, if I remember correctly, the "expert" line had an icon that gave the impression that experts were "business travelers". It think it was a little man with a briefcase

Yeah it was, on my trip 2 days ago, there was so much traffic in the families line, they had to (sour faces) let people go into the other lines (expert).

They are using this same procedure at Houston Hobby. If I observed correctly, they had more security lines for the "families" and only had one security line for the experts

Compared to most UK airports that sounds well organised and logical.

I don't travel for work but I often travel solo, I plan my footwear accordingly and usually can throw everything in the scanner bins at record speed, including taking the laptop out of the bag, then throw everything back on and pack everything up, someone should time me, ha ha! Even if nobody is behind me, I hurry and get out of the way as quick as I can.

Sounds great in theory. My family would be expert class, DD knows the security drill better then most adults. We, also, can do the shoes, etc in record time. If they get this going at every airport, are we still safe? Seems there might be a false sense of security or a more relaxed standard which would allow "things" to get overlooked. As long as everything gets screened, bless them if they are making it easier for some.

Keasmom,

If I'm remembering an article from USA Today correctly, these changes are directed toward business travelers who are the bread and butter of the airlines.

They want to keep them happy. They could care less about the casual or leisure traveler

My kids too are expert travelers to the point where they've asked if they need to take off their shoes to go through any other metal detectors. Even DH's guide dog is becoming an airport security pro. We traveled through the Orlando airport in June and I thought that it was the most chaotic security we had been through.

Huh?
Who would willingly go into the longest, slowest line. Color me expert.
Orlando Airport is always a bit of a buzzkill before and after Disney. I think the employees there could use a little Disney training, or at least they could stop hauling my underwear out of my bag for everyone to see. Lol

We used this last night, through the family line, and it moved very quickly. Two stations checking ID/Boarding pass, and a person directing groups to the shortest scanner lines. No hassle at all. This was at the security check point to the Southwest/Jet Blue gates, which in the past has been backed up half way across the atrium.

I went through the intermediary line (not family, not business-class expert) when I left MCO two weekends ago. The elderly couple in front of me was pretty clearly not used to flying. She walked through the metal detectors A) with her shoes on, and B) with very large metal earings, braclets, and rings. Then when here husband yelled at her for slowing everything down, she STOOD there, in the metal detector - not to take the jewlery and shoes off, but to yell back at her husband.

The line itself was absurdly short. But that one couple caused about a five minute delay all by them selves. Fortunately, since I took DME, I had plenty of time and was more amused than annoyed. I could hear them still yelling at each other even when I got up to the monorail and they were still back at security putting her shoes and jewlery back on.

I went through security wearing my suit of armor. What a nightmare! Like I could hi-jack a plane with my pike; come on people. I checked my broadsword and mace but nothing pleases TSA!!! I'll rent a car next time.
Hey mrtitty! Long time no see.