TSA PreCheck Program Expands To Include 60 Airports
The TSA PreCheck program will be added to 60 more airports nationwide. Passengers using the screening program will be allowed to pass through the lines without removing their shoes and belts.
The TSA hopes to complete the program expansion by the end of the year. Upon completion, 100 airports will offer the faster lines.
The TSA PreCheck program began in 2011. More than 15 million passengers have utilized the program in the last two years. Despite the large number, it is a very small percentage of the 1.8 million people who fly every day.
As reported by USA Today, the TSA expects the expansion to benefit up to 25 percent of air travelers.
The program is free. However, required fingerprinting and background checks are not included. Travelers can purchase a five-year pass, which includes fingerprinting and a background check for $85.
The ultimate goal is to allow TSA personnel to focus on passengers who rarely fly or are considered a risk. The program will also make things simpler for frequent flyers.
TSA’s PreCheck program is expected to save passengers time and money. As airport security changed throughout the years, travelers have been subjected to longer and longer lines.
The changes will be particularly beneficial to business travelers, who often have limited time.
In addition to keeping their shoes on, travelers using the TSA PreCheck program will be allowed to keep their laptops in their bags, and carry liquids and gels.
As reported by KPBS, to qualify for the program, travelers must be US citizens who are enrolled in a frequent flier program or the Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler program. Canadian citizens will also qualify if they are members of the CBP Nexus program.
Airlines currently participating in the program include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.
Airports included in the TSA PreCheck program can be viewed at the TSA website.
[Image via Flickr]
