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In light of airline security hassles, a travel group is calling for creation of a voluntary "trusted traveler" program. The program would be seen as one step toward easing bottlenecks at U.S. airport security checkpoints which impact many business travelers every day in the country.

A report released Wednesday by the U.S. Travel Association said treating every airline passenger as a potential terrorist slows security, frustrates passengers and deters people from flying, The Washington Post reported.

In addition to the trusted traveler program, the report recommends allowing passengers to check one bag free of charge to speed up airport lines slowed by carry-on luggage.

The report also said airlines should be ordered to drop the high baggage fees prompting passengers to carry on more than they should.

The report said the federal government would not need congressional approval to mandate one free checked bag but would need it for a "trusted traveler" initiative.

The report, commissioned by the travel association, was prepared by a panel headed by Tom Ridge, the former head of Homeland Security.

Source: UPI