Thus far, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented its low-risk, expedited screening program at select U.S. airports using a select number of frequent flyers from select airlines. Judging by participant reaction, the TSA is now poised to invite more people, airports and airlines into the security fast lane.

In October 2011, the TSA began a trial program that allowed certain pre-screened individuals to pass through security with their shoes and belts on, and their laptops and liquids in their bags. The catch is that each volunteer has had to divulge personal information to the TSA in order to be pre-cleared to use the expedited security lanes. Only the most frequent flyers from American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been invited to use expedited security lanes set up at airports in Atlanta, Dallas Detroit and Miami so far. The agency has announced that over the next few months, airports in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul will also feature expedited security.

In addition to the invited frequent flyers of specific airlines, those in a "Trusted Traveler" program such as Global Entry or NEXUS are also eligible for the expedited security screening where available. The TSA hopes to expand the security program to all airlines and airports but cautions that it could take years to see such a widespread implementation. The agency also maintains that it has the right to conduct random and more thorough searches on any passenger, even ones with pre-clearance. Being a participant of the program does not guarantee expedited security every time.

The early success of the program based on passenger feedback is encouraging, but it remains to be seen how much easier it will be when all airports and airlines are eventually allowed to participate. Yet, for all the complaints against the TSA over prodding, groping, shoes, laptops, random searches and body scans, many experts are in agreement that the agency may have finally come up with an idea that just about everybody seems to like.