MORE than 10 years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks completely altered the airport experience, travelers have a variety of options that will shorten wait times at security and immigration. But speedier processing has some downsides. Some programs charge a fee, and all require surrendering such personal information as employment background, travel history and biological data like fingerprints.

Still, the days in which every passenger is treated as a potential terrorist are over. As John Pistole, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, said recently, “Most passengers do not pose a threat to security,” confirming what travelers have been saying for years.