Spokane to cut security lines

Passengers travelling through Spokane International Airport will benefit from shorter lines at security checkpoints under new proposals.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will expand its Black Diamond program to allow frequent flyers the chance to move more quickly through security lines.

As part of the plan, Business-Class passengers who travel by air on a regular basis will pass through an "Expert" lane, while passengers familiar with security processes can join the "Casual" line.

Passengers with small children or elderly flyers can use the dedicated "Family/Special Assistance" lanes.

Based on the ski-run labeling system of the same name, Black Diamond aims to give passengers more control at checkpoints, with all lanes open to self-selection.

The system is already in operation at Salt Lake City and Denver airports, and there are plans to introduce the initiative at Boston-Logan and Orlando International.

Kip Hawley, Administrator at the TSA, said: "These dedicated lanes increase security by calming passengers and allowing behavior detection officers to more easily identify suspicious activity."

© Adfero Ltd