Sunday, June 13, 2004

Stupid

Perhaps they're smarter than I think, but my guess is this Registered Traveler Program is just complete bunk.

As the number of airline passengers starts to soar with the temperature, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is finally taking a significant step toward speeding the security process for at least some flyers. Aviation sources tell Time that this week the TSA will announce the launch of a three-month trial of its Registered Traveler program, which will start at five airports, beginning in Minneapolis—St. Paul and then in other cities, including Los Angeles and Houston. A sort of fast track for frequent flyers, the program aims to let approved passengers use less crowded lanes to the security checkpoints and possibly avoid such routine security measures as removing their shoes and coats. To gain that privilege, passengers must submit to an extensive background check, including searches of commercial and government databases. After being approved and paying a small annual fee (yet to be determined), they would be issued a card—containing a biometric identifier (a fingerprint, for example) and personal data—that shows they're entitled to the special security treatment.


So, they'll get a card carrying a biometric identifier. Are check-in desks and security lines going to have anyway actually checking the biometric data on the card against the actual biometric data possessed by the person?

This is just going to be a way of fast-tracking government officials and their pals.