General Mitchell International Airport now has three lines at the security check points. New this week, the "Black Diamond Program" has a line for family and special needs, a line for casuals which are people with some flight experience and an expert line for those with a strong knowledge of TSA procedures such as business travelers. The airport's Federal Security Director Louis Traverzo says other airports spearheaded the program and Mitchell International got involved. He believes it made sense for business travelers to have an option to expedite their travels.
He says the plan is showing positive results. Last week during peak times, the wait was 15 to 17 minutes, compared to a wait of 8 to 9 minutes after the program was implemented.
Traverzo says they have additional agents who can handle the program.
"Simultaneously we've been able to increase our staffing by nearly 100 employees since January."
The lines are not mandatory for passengers, merely suggested.