Posted by Elliot Sawyer
The TSA has implemented regulations concerning long lines at the Security Checks in airports. There is now a tiered system in place for travelers to get placed into the particular security line that is reflective of the type of traveler they are.

The three different lines are:

• Family/Special Assistance
  
• Casual Traveler
• Expert Traveler

IMHO, these regulations basically ask travelers the following question: "Are you stupid?" They are banking on the idea that a whole bunch of people are going VOLUNTEER to take their time in the lines to receive special, warm treatment, while others (i.e., "Experts") will want to breeze through. Call me crazy, but I don't oftentimes run into people who want to have a casual, leisurely airport experience. People pretty much want to get in and out.

They've also attached a ski metaphor to the whole idea - so expert travelers are gnarly black diamond skiers, while casual travelers can be found cruising down the blues.

I do, however, find some merit to the family line, and it looks like it's been the most effective part of the new program. Early reports say families enjoy feeling less pressure, especially when there is already enough stress associated with flying with kids.

Frequent flyers theoretically can now breeze through lines rather than analyzing every move of the inexperienced traveling klutz in front of them. The only caveat is that travel klutz's actually have to commit to their category.