Frequent fliers cheer plan to register them By Barbara De Lollis, USA TODAY Airline officials, pilots and frequent fliers say they're glad federal officials are changing their minds about giving some frequent fliers special status at airport security checkpoints. Transportation Security Administration chief James Loy on Tuesday told senators that he backs the concept of creating a "registered traveler" database that could help reduce airport security waits. Congress authorized the creation of such a program after Sept. 11. "Seems to us that that's a common-sense solution to a problem that's causing a lot of foot drag on the airline industry's recovery," says Continental Airlines spokesman David Messing. Creating such a program rests on creating a database of authorized travelers that would be updated with the travelers' flight patterns and other personal information. After travelers pass a voluntary background check, they could receive an ID badge with an embedded a microchip storing encrypted personal information. This could include a driver's license number, an iris scan or fingerprints to deter fraudulent use. Some critics are uncomfortable with a government database tracking a citizen's movements. Proponents say it would help make the aviation system more secure by identifying people who pose the least risk. Many business travelers say they're willing to submit to a background check if it speeds security. "This is the smartest thing they could do," says business owner Keith Dunne. "Your biggest risk is not from a business traveler who's traveling every week." Jazz musician George Duke says change is needed. "As much as I travel, they should know me by now and stop looking at my bags two, three times at an airport," Duke said in a recent interview. "I understand the need for the security, but it seems there should be a better way for it." The owner of Roger's Trinbago Site: Roj (Roger James) *************************************************** escape email mailto:ejames@escape.ca Trinbago site: http://www.tntisland.com CBC Website http://www.tntisland.com/caribbeanbrassconnection/ The Trinbago Site of the Week: (Trini Tuner http://www.trinituner.com/ (TriniTuner.com) courtesy of Roj Trinbago Website & TnT Web Directory Roj's Trinbago Website: http://www.tntisland.com TnT Web Directory: http://search.co.tt *********************************************************