From Washington: Changes to air travel have occurred over the past 25 years. A class system has emerged for security screening, with certain programs offering expedited checks. Passengers can no longer accompany traveling companions to the gate, a change that has been largely forgotten.

Further details about these changes are available, including comments from a consumer advocate. The advocate notes that air travel now involves being segmented into different lines based on payment.

Security checks have increased since a major shift in the industry, but some specifics of these changes are no longer well-known to the public.