July 18--John Wayne Airport passengers cleared for the Pre-Check expedited screening program can now go through the faster security process in Terminal B during the early morning hours.
The Transportation Security Agency previously launched Pre-Check at John Wayne's Terminal A last December, where screening is available all day.
As of Wednesday, passengers could also use the new expedited screening line in Terminal B from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Nico Melendez, a TSA spokesman, said about 12 million passengers have used Pre-Check nationwide at 40 airports since the TSA started it in October 2011. About 80,000 have used the expedited process at John Wayne since operations began in December.
Pre-Check eligibility is only available to frequent flyers who are invited to participate by the seven U.S. airlines approved for the program. Five of those airlines operate at John Wayne: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways.
Those passengers who are cleared for Pre-Check don't have to wait in long lines and take off their shoes, belts or jackets or remove laptops or liquids for inspection.
Travelers approved for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry program, which expedites customs clearance for passengers returning to the U.S., also can use Pre-Check. The faster screening is also available to U.S. citizens approved for Custom's Trusted Traveler program and to Canadian citizens who are members of the agency's Nexus program.
The Pre-Check program has had mixed reviews. Approval for the Pre-Check program does not guarantee faster screening. As part of the agency's security procedures, the TSA computer randomly approves the travelers who are allowed to proceed through expedited screening. Those who are rejected must go through regular security screening.
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