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Speeding Up That Tedious Airport Security Process

November 20th, 2008 (8:00am) Tom Belden 5 Comments

For most of us, there may be no more tedious activity than waiting in a traffic jam. In this case, I mean waiting to clear security at an airport. Since 9/11, we have all become accustomed to the routine of shedding jackets and shoes, removing laptops and putting liquids and gels in 3-ounce containers.

At the risk of making your blood boil at the mere mention of the Transportation Security Administration, it’s time to step out on a limb and give the TSA credit for steps taken in recent months to reduce the natural anxiety we feel as we shuffle along in line.

The improvements are timely because the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the most dreaded travel times of the year, are upon us.

The checkpoint process

The most recent development from the TSA is the establishment of “family lanes” at checkpoints at every U.S. airport. In many larger airports, the process goes a step further with the creation of three lanes for different types of travelers, using the same kind of diamond symbols that designate expert, intermediate and beginner ski slopes.

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Getting Charged Up to Work in an Airport

November 12th, 2008 (8:00am) Tom Belden 13 Comments

It’s 5 o’clock on a Thursday afternoon and you managed to get through airport security on your way home, with half an hour to spare to check your e-mail and make phone calls. But your electronic device of choice is low on power.

Do you know where to find an outlet to recharge and work before your flight leaves?

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