“Fast Pass” Security Lines

Verified Identity Pass, a private-sector company led by Steve Brill, is developing an identification card program, which entitles registered travelers to a “fast pass” dedicated security line at airports. Before Verified issues the biometric ID card, the company collects biometric data, and the government performs background checks. A pilot program at Orlando International Airport has been hugely successful in saving people time, and has nearly 17,000 members. Other airports, including San Jose, Sacramento, and Indianapolis, are pending TSA approval. GE recently acquired a 16% stake in the company. Additional competition in the space is on the way: biometrics company Saflink has announced it is forming a partnership with Microsoft, Johnson Controls, Expedia, and other companies to offer a similar service, which can only be good news for frequent travelers who are tired of long security lines, and taking their shoes off.

Boarding Pass via MMS

Several airlines offer the option for travelers to print their boarding pass at home prior to leaving for the airport, but now an additional easy option is being developed by DBA, and Lufthansa: approximately 3 hours before your flight, a check-in barcode MMS (multi-media message) will be sent to travelers. All you need to do is flash the barcode over a scanner at the gate and you’re clear to board.

[thanks, Random Good Stuff]

By the way, SeatGuru.com is a great site — you can check the configuration of your airplane, prior to booking a seat assignment, so you can specifically request a bulkhead or emergency row seat, which has more legroom, and avoid seats with misaligned windows and limited recline.