by Jeff Milchen and Jeffrey Kaplan

published by TomPaine.com

Are You Registered, Traveler?

If you’re a frequent flier, you might soon enjoy a choice other than “window” or “aisle" upon check-in at several U.S. airports. How about fingerprinting, a retina scan and background check by the federal government?

Why would anyone do such things voluntarily? The reward might entice any regular traveler: a special ID card entitling them to use an “express lane” for faster security screening. It’s all part of the Transportation Security Administration's "Registered Traveler" program , now under testing with selected airlines and passengers in Minneapolis, Houston and Los Angeles and slated to debut at airports in Washington, D.C., and Boston this month.

The TSA says the program will speed passage for travelers who pose little security risk and allow screeners to focus greater attention on higher-risk passengers.

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