Getting through security at the Atlanta airport is fast. They keep people moving by using a clever implementation of the 80/20 rule. In the case of airport security the rule says 80% of the people will do things correctly and 20% will be stupid. They identify those 20 percenters and send them to the dedicated stupid people line.

Security Guard: Identification and boarding pass, please.

80 percenter: Here you are.

Security Guard: Thank you. Please proceed to that line over there that is moving incredibly quickly.

[Next traveler approaches]

Security Guard: Identification and boarding pass, please.

20 percenter: Oh, right. I've got those somewhere. Just hold on a sec... Wait... Ah, here it is!

Security Guard: That's your boarding pass, ma'am. I'll also need to see photo identification.

20 percenter: Oh! You already said that, didn't you? I'm so sorry. I've got that in my wallet... In my purse... In my carry-on bag... Here it is! Aren't you proud of me?

Security Guard: Please proceed to the stupid people line. Enjoy your flight. If you manage to find the gate.

20 percenter: Thank you!

The system works very well.

Incidentally, Hartsfield-Jackson (Atlanta) kicks O'Hare (Chicago) ass all up and down the runway. In Atlanta I had wireless available and a power plug to use. In Chicago - nada.

Posted by: Jim at 11:21 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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