New TSA "Trusted Traveler" Program Worth It?

[shygirl724]

TSA is proposing a new "trusted traveler" program to get through domestic airport security lines faster. Survey: Travelers Will Pay for Better Airport Security Experience | U.S. Travel Association. Enrollment wil be $150 annually. It will not be a bypass of TSA security, but is described as being less hassle (i.e. - not required to take off your shoes, not have to take out your laptop from the bag, etc.).

So - would it be worth it to you? For me I can't see much of a benefit to justify the expense.

Shy ~

[kyshel]

I used to have the Clear membership. It went out of business; restarted as new program but very few airports have it now.
The Global Entry makes more sense for immigration since I travel overseas alot. JFK and ATL are not the easiest queues to negotiate. So many non-Americans take more time at the booths even tho they are should be separate lines.
Lately, I've encountered peak periods at TSA require up to 20+ minutes (due to all the children traveling and the "6 bin wonders" (who takes all that junk everywhere?). ATL has the longest TSA lines but they can really move since they have more personnel. The ones w/body scanners take the most time, I've found.
Off peak TSA runs about 5-10 mins for most of my airports (even JFK--I arrive early and go to the Skyclub)

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If I was a frequent traveler it would be worth it, however, most of my international travel has been in and out of Houston and never had to wait long in the line and never had to go through the body scanner (although I did volunteer to go through just to see what it was like - interesting to say the least). I find Houston to be pretty good with the line arrangements, etc. never got stuck behind families with children since they have a clearly marked family line.

[Mountie]

TSA is proposing a new "trusted traveler" program to get through domestic airport security lines faster. Survey: Travelers Will Pay for Better Airport Security Experience | U.S. Travel Association. Enrollment wil be $150 annually. It will not be a bypass of TSA security, but is described as being less hassle (i.e. - not required to take off your shoes, not have to take out your laptop from the bag, etc.).

So - would it be worth it to you? For me I can't see much of a benefit to justify the expense.

Shy ~

I enjoy standing in line and getting to meeting new people, removing my shoes and belt in public and when every possible, getting touched by strangers in all the wrong places.

[shygirl724]

Wow Mountie - you need to get out more! lol

Shy ~

[kyshel]

I enjoy standing in line and getting to meeting new people, removing my shoes and belt in public and when every possible, getting touched by strangers in all the wrong places.

I haven't been patted down by strangers for several years--not since Turkey and the policewoman at IST airport. 'nuff said...

[jmbklj]

I fly fairly often and I opt out of the body scan for the TSA molestation.

Actually I think the jury is still out, on the potential impact of the body scan radiation, especially for frequent flyers, flight attendants & pilots. Fortunately FAs & pilots are exempt from the scan and its opt-out alternative of some serious pat downs. We get enough radiation in other aspects of our lives, that I don't want more.

So I would jump at the opportunity to buy a "trusted traveller pass" if it meant that I could avoid the body scan and its alternative, the pat down. I don't mind taking out my laptop, even my shoes, or walking through the old metal detector, before BC (Body Scans).

[kyshel]

we never have to remove shoes overseas--nor do we have to take our netbooks out of the sleeve. Sometimes I take toiletries out of the bag--only if they require it (on the poster at security)

[bonniejoy03]

Each airport has become different. At JFK this year, because my HP mini wasn't exactly out of the carrier, they took EVERYTHING out of the original case; plugs, converters, camera info, batteries, etc and then left everything a mess!!! Now, just coming back through Charlotte, we didn't have any issues (except the tsa person thought I was a man!)

[thepiranha]

And what is going to stop terrorists from paying the $150 for the privilege of being able to get through security easier?