This is supposed to be the busiest week for travel in the history of the aviation industry. Oh, sorry. I’ve been reading too many of my favorite travel columnists. Make that just super-darned busy. Or is it? I just zipped through the TSA line in Orlando in less than five minutes.
Kip Hawley, take a bow.
Hawley, the TSA administrator, said in a press release issued this morning that it’s all part of a government plan called SimpliFLY. “Security checkpoints at the nation’s more than 450 airports have optimized schedules and are prepared to accommodate the busy holiday travel season,” the agency announced.
“Our goal is to get passengers through the checkpoint as quickly as possible while maintaining aviation security,” said Hawley. “The public can partner with us to accomplish this by coming prepared.”
Among the TSA’s “tips” for holiday travelers:
Travelers should have boarding passes and identification out and outerwear and shoes off to go through the checkpoint. It is essential to arrive at the airport early to allow time to park, check-in and process through the security checkpoint during peak travel periods.
Whatever.
The simple fact is that every TSA checkpoint at Orlando was fully staffed. I arrived an hour before my flight to New York (I know, I was cutting it close) and I flew through the checkpoint. I haven’t gotten through security that quickly in years.
So keep up the good work, TSA. I may be one of your biggest critics. But right now, I’m also your biggest fan.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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