Last year, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spent $1.45 billion on baggage screening.

Although security is important, the screenings have resulted in frustratingly long lines at baggage check-in and huge expenses for airlines already financially strained by the rising cost of fuel.

While no one would dispute the importance of screening, there may be other alternatives. Richard Altomare, CEO of Universal Express, Inc. (OTCBB:USXP), has encouraged discussion on this idea and has come up with a promising solution.

Rather than take baggage through check-in points, passengers planning a trip can use a new procedure to ship their luggage in advance. The luggage would reach their destination in time for their arrival.

Passengers would still have an opportunity to take the baggage to the airports with them and in an isolated area.

The solution works like this:

? Separate the baggage from the passengers and encourage travelers to ship their bags prior to the departure date.

? Allow the U.S. Postal Service, along with 4,000 parcel carriers, to handle baggage that is currently carried by the airline industry.

According to Altomare, this solution would achieve the following objectives:

? Increase security for the traveling public and encourage more travel.

? Increase security for mass transportation.

? Deprive terrorists of the chance to cause human carnage.

? Reduce the cost of Homeland Security, which could be redirected to protect the mass transport network.

? Speed up the movements of passengers and baggage handling in terminals.

? Create new jobs in the private sector, particularly in the transport and travel industries.

? Increase revenues for airlines on baggage that is still brought to the airports.

? Airlines will use less fuel, have faster turnaround times and less baggage handling costs.

? Realize lower airfares.

The solution could generate benefits for the federal government, airlines, mass transit and the traveler.