WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. -- Many travelers were smiling Thursday as they passed through the security checkpoints at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks.

The checkpoints are now split into categories based on how people are traveling, officials said, which is speeding up the security process.

"It's like going to the grocery store and picking the right lane," said Peter Boynton, TSA's second director.

The self-select program allows travelers to choose which screening lane best suits their traveling situation. For example, there's a lane for families or people who take longer to go through the checkpoint. There's also a lane for casual travelers who don't fly very often.

There's even an expert lane.

"Traveling on my own for business, I find I get frustrated when there are large groups who don't travel as often in front of me, so I think it's good for everybody," said Amy Piergrossi, of San Francisco.

Bradley is the 51st airport in the country to launch the new checkpoints.

TSA numbers show the expert lane moves 20 percent faster than normal lanes, and the program is proven to be more efficient and improve security, officials said.

"If we calm down the checkpoint by doing things like self-select, it gives us a better opportunity to observe people who might need more attention," Boynton said. "It's a very important security benefit."

"We knew it'd work, but once you see it working, it sends the message home," airport administrator Jeff Shultes said.