Hooray for TSA! The much-maligned Transportation Security Administration finally landed on a great idea -- dividing the frequent-flier crowd from vacationers and novice travelers in order to speed up airport security lines. First introduced in February in Salt Lake City and Denver, the experimental "go-at-your-own-pace" program lets travelers choose which of three lines best fits their style.

 Families traveling with children or people who need special assistance can choose the Green lane, where they receive extra assistance and explanation of the security process. Casual, occasional travelers with multiple carry-ons have a Blue lane geared to them, while business travelers who know the routine inside-out can speed through the Black Diamond lane. Skiers will recognize the designations as matching how slopes are identified - green for novice, blue for intermediate, and black diamonds for experts.

Will a self-policed system work, or will travelers just gravitate to the shortest line they see? I don't have high hopes for drastic improvements, but with some TSA presence at the head of these lines helping to direct traffic, it just may work. And given how miserable the pre-flight routine is today at most airports (to say nothing of the flights themselves), any time and hassle saved in the security line will be a relief to all.

Earlier this week, TSA expanded the program to three other airports: Boston, Orlando, and Spokane, Washington. Let's hope this is a sign that the program is working as it's supposed to.