Breezing through airport security lines for a price? Expansion of TSA PreCheck program raises concerns

At long last, an alternative to long lines, fumbling with Ziplocs and risking the contraction of foot fungus!

The Transportation Security Administration has tested a PreCheck expedited screening program for low-risk travelers at seven airports over the past few months, and it must be going well. 

The TSA is expanding PreCheck in 2012 to eligible passengers at 28 additional airports, including Houston's George Bush Intercontinental.

 Benefits of PreCheck include moving through an expedited lane at security, wearing belts, shoes and jackets through the detectors, and keeping laptops and liquids inside carry-ons.  

Benefits of PreCheck include moving through an expedited lane at security, wearing belts, shoes and jackets through the detectors, and keeping laptops and liquids inside carry-on baggage. 

So simple, but such a relief. 

Who is eligible?

Currently, certain high-mileage frequent flyers (Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways are inviting eligible travelers to opt in) can breeze through the security line, as well as members of the Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler programs, like Global Entry (which requires a $100 nonrefundable application fee with no guarantee of approval), and others. 

Approval hinges on the results of an "intelligence-driven risk assessment" based on passengers' personal data. The TSA is understandably vague about pre-screening procedures.

Thankfully, the TSA "will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening in order to retain a certain element of randomness to prevent terrorists from gaming the system."

Do airport security lines give you anxiety? Does the PreCheck make you feel less secure or less hassled? Would you pay $100 to move through the line faster?