Since the September 11th attacks, airports and the Department of Homeland Security have ramped up efforts to provide added security and adopt new measures for dissolving terror plots.

The result in operations lead to a longer wait in line for most airline passengers. This is due primarily to the fact that people are now required to remove their shoes, belts, and other countless objects that could be considered a threat to security. These protective adjustments take more time, but does it have to? Can we be more efficient when is comes to airport security? The answer is yes.

Overall, the American attitude towards this policy is suprisingly one of support and patience. Patience is truly something we can all learn to live with from time to time.

While this is a great step in the direction of airport security, we have not seen airports adjust quickly enough to creative ways of bringing dangerous substances on board the aircraft, as seen in the recent London plot. Here, the pieces of the explosive were broken down into components which could then be reassembled and then detonated.

A report came out this morning which stated that some airports, which include those in San Jose, Orlando, and Indianapolis are starting to implement passes, that for an $80 annual fee, would allow a passenger to simply submit a personal identification card and supply a fingerprint scan to quickly get through security. If the fingerprint scan is unsuccessfully recognized, then an iris scan can be conducted. The entire process takes less that 5 minutes to complete. In addition to paying the up front fee, a background check will also be conducted to further guarantee the legitamacy of the passenger.

Another way in which airport security is catching up is through the use of technology being developed at General Electric and other firms across the country. A prototype walk-through machine which can detect any dangerous and explosive material is currently being tested for implementation. What does this mean for you? Well, you would not have to take off shoes, belts, or any other objects which save time and the frustrations of long lines. This all-in-one machine would be able to target multiple areas of safety concerns. My only question would be if there are any potential side effects of walking through such a device.

So, it is my personal hope that airports finally take aim at newer technologies and begin to combat terrorism at front gate before it happens.