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TSA Family Lanes, Finally

November 8, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The one problem plaguing US security checkpoints is that one-size does not fit all travelers.  The differing level of experience amongst travelers often causes backups and frustration at most checkpoints.  Finally, the TSA may have come up with a solution.

Family Lanes are designed to allow travelers who are unfamiliar with security procedures, traveling with small children, or otherwise need assistance to move through without being rushed by screeners.  Anyone who will potentially cause a backup at a normal security lane will be brought over to a Family Lane so that they can get the attention they deserve.

While this is a necessary first step, the second issue the TSA needs to resolve is the disparity in security screening methods at airports across the country.  With a standardized security plan, travelers will not be caught off guard so often and will be able to more easily move through any airport’s security checkpoint.

It’s a good move, but we hope to see more out of the TSA to help streamline their security process and remove needless hassles.

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Cell Phone Lots Ease Airport Congestion

October 4, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Today Boston Logan introduced a new cell phone waiting lot for passenger pick-up, a great move. Cell phones lots have been creeping up across the country and are the logical solution to a growing problem of vehicle congestion at airports.

The basic premise behind a cell phone waiting lot is simple. Those persons waiting to pick someone up at the airport drive to the lot and wait for their party to call them and tell them they’re ready. Alternatively, some locations such as Salt Lake City International Airport have provided large flight status screen with all arriving flight numbers and their current status, including “pick-up”.

Even with these lots going in all over the country the trick is getting people to use them regularly, instead of sitting at the curb in front of the terminal or driving the endless loop through the airport. The most common reason for drivers not to use the lot is unfamiliarity. Since cell phone lots are relatively new, their use is not well known. Therefore, education and signage must be used to get drivers into the cell phone lots.

An example is at Denver International Airport. The cell phone waiting area is a relatively small parking lot for the size of the airport and is not well signed. There is a direct exit off of the airport access road, however there is only a small sign noting what it is for. Also, the lot is far enough away from the airport that a driver must allow 10 or more minutes to arrive at the terminal at the designated pick-up location.

By increasing the size of the cell phone lot and making its presence and use more clear, DIA officials could drastically increase usage of the lot. Across the nation airports are clamoring for ways to keep cars from sitting at the curb in front of the terminal. Many airports use over-pushy police officers and scare tactics, when they could more effectively use advertisements and other incentives for people to use the lot. An example would be a special pick-up lane which could only be accessed if you have a ticket or coupon from the cell phone waiting lot.

Cell phone waiting lots are the logical place to wait for passengers. It is a good move by airports across the country to install them, and it will be a great move for them to promote their use.

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