TSA Expands Pre-Check Program to More Airports

Tired of shrugging off your shoes and belt each time you slog through the airport security line?  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding PreCheck program, which lets pre-approved travelers move through security more quickly.

“TSA PreCheck moves us closer to our goal of delivering the most effective and efficient screening by recognizing that most passengers do not pose a threat to security,” said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. “We are pleased to expand this important effort, in collaboration with our airline and airport partners, as we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more intelligence-driven, risk-based transportation security system.”

Pistole and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano said the program has screened 336,000 passengers so far at seven pilot locations around the country and is now being expanded to 28 airports in major cities.

They said the concept enhances security by enabling TSA to focus its efforts on passengers the agency knows less about while providing expedited screening for travelers who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying. Also, it means prescreened passengers can avoid taking their shoes off and may even be able to keep their belts on.

Program members’ bags are still run though the x-ray conveyer belt and they are still required to go through a metal detector, but they are not subject to shoe or coat removal requirements and don’t have to remove their laptops or liquids packed in carry-on bags.

Initially, the program will only be available to passengers traveling on US Airways, United Continental, Alaska, American and Delta Airlines.

Eligible participants include some frequent fliers from participating airlines as well as members of the Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs. Those travelers who apply for the program and are approved will get special barcodes on their boarding passes that tell TSA screeners to move them to an expedited screening line.

Frequent travelers can apply through the TSA’s Global Entry program here.

Airports that will be added this year include:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)