Lets travelers select preferred level at SLC, DEN

The Department of Homeland Security’s signature service – something that has inspired a lot of jokes from standup comics – is its color-coded security alert system (which nowadays is pretty much on orange all the time). But now DHS’s Transportation Security Administration is trying out a new use for color-coding, designed to make things easier for travelers passing through airport security checks. Currently undergoing short-term testing at Salt Lake City and Denver International airports, the system divides security lanes by the same three color identifiers used for ski trails at major winter resorts: green, blue and “black diamond.” Passengers are allowed to decide for themselves which one they should use. The green lanes are intended for family groups or infrequent flyers who might take longer to get through the procedure. The “black diamond” lanes are for our readers – frequent business travelers who know the drill thoroughly and always have their shoes off and laptops out before they get to the checkpoint. The blue lanes are for travelers who fall somewhere in between.