I had no issues with TSA, but my seat mate did. She was a former Miss Georgia, and said that the screening area smelt terrible. She jokingly said ‘who farted y’all?’ and a screener took exception and gave her a nasty look – Comment from Mark in Memphis at the Transportation Security Administration’s new blog.

The best Internet blogs feel authentic. They replicate a coffee shop where a community’s wise owls and confident fools share opinions. Big corporations have tried to Web their way into the blogosphere, but often their blogs are filled with spin and negative comments are deleted.

So it didn’t seem possible that a government agency could create a blog with authenticity and credibility. But the Transportation Security Administration may have done just that Jan. 30. The TSA’s blog – www.tsa.gov/blog – is filled with informative posts written by TSA experts, and it includes comments by airline travelers. Many are negative. The agency says it will delete comments only if they are threatening, obscene or include personal attacks.

It seems that new security measures are only developed after a terror threat. First there is the ‘shoe bomber’ plot; then our shoes are screened. My biggest fear is that somebody tries to smuggle a plastic explosive on board inside their large intestine. I dread what TSA’s response would be. – Anonymous comment at TSA blog.

The blog went live Jan. 30. Since then, the TSA has been experimenting with a screening process that allows passengers to choose lines that reflect their levels of comfort. For instance, families can line up in security lanes designed to take things more slowly. Spokane International Airport is trying out this new system during the airport’s rush hours. Passengers in these pilot programs have commented favorably on the blog, and the TSA is expanding the program based on the good feedback.

The TSA provides an example how other government agencies can use new technology to achieve transparency and accountability. This is especially important for the TSA, because 2 million people fly each day. These passengers often form their opinions about the agency – and sometimes the entire federal government – based on how they are treated.

A credible TSA blog is not the answer to terrorist threats or air passenger frustration over canceled, delayed or improperly inspected airplanes. But it is an important initiative, because it can make air passengers feel as if their opinions and experiences count, because they should count.

At some airports the security lines will have a person greeting the people coming in and making sure that they have a zip lock bag for the liquid items. This little bit of kindness up front will improve all relations. Stop a person from getting frustrated and offer up a zip lock bag and a friendly smile. I think you might have a winner. – Anonymous.