How to select a security checkpoint lane best suited for you

Check out this instructional travel video that demonstrates how to select a security checkpoint lane best suited for you. In the process arena, TSA launched a Black Diamond Self-Select Lanes pilot in February 2007 in Salt Lake City, Utah, which has now grown to include more than 30 airports. The program is aimed at enabling travelers to select a lane customized to their pace. Because the pilot was launched in a region of the country where skiing is a way of life, TSA modeled the lanes after well-known ski icons: green circles for beginners, blue squares for intermediate, and black diamonds for experts.

In the TSA version, the green lane is for families traveling with children or people who need special assistance. These folks may not travel that often and need extra help with the procedures and assistance navigating security. The blue lane is for casual travelers who travel less often, but are somewhat familiar with the procedures. The expert, or black diamond lane ,is for those who know the procedures well and always arrive at the checkpoint with appropriate items removed and limited carry-on luggage. The security standard is the same no matter what lane you choose. However, efficiency is increased by allowing passengers to proceed at their own pace.

"We are enhancing security by creating a less stressful experience. This enables our officers to provide better support to the people who need it most, while others are able to navigate the checkpoint more expeditiously," said Earl Morris, TSA federal security director at Salt Lake. "Passengers will ultimately determine the success of the pilot."

So learn about the developing security features at the Salt Lake City airport by watching this instructional video.