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October 12, 2008 3:57:14 PM CDT

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Airport to Sort Travelers Into Fast, Slow Lanes

Posted May 8, 08 1:42 PM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Travelers using Chicago’s Midway Airport are finding a curious new addition to security lines, the Tribune reports—ski-slope-like signs meant to funnel travelers into different lines based on how quickly they're likely to be able to speed through. They're color coded to the “difficulty level” of each option: Green circles for beginning travelers, blue circles for advanced travelers, black diamonds for experts.

In this case, “expert” means you have your shoes off and laptop out before being told; the goal is to reduce frustration and delays by getting frequent fliers through security more quickly, while families and others who need time won't be pressured. But what if non-veterans pick the black diamond line? “That’s your choice,” said a security official. “We’re not going to tackle you.”

Source Chicago Tribune

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A new system at US airports uses ski-slope symbols to help travelers pick the best security line: green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate travelers, black diamond for advanced.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
A new system at US airports uses ski-slope symbols to help travelers pick the best security line: green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate travelers, black diamond for advanced.   (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
A new system at US airports uses ski-slope symbols to help travelers pick the best security line: green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate travelers, black diamond for advanced.   (Shutterstock)
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airport  • airport security  • airport screener  • skiing  • Chicago Midway Airport


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