Dec. 16--The words are music to a U.S. airport traveler's ears: "Keep those shoes on, you busy traveler, you."
That is the new message from the Transportation Security Administration, which is expanding its expedited airport Pre-Check screening program so that more airport travelers can skip taking off their shoes, belts and coats and removing their laptops and liquids for inspection.
The TSA started its Pre-Check program two years ago. The program allows travelers to go through security screening faster and lets them keep their clothes on.
But until now, only a relatively select few passengers could participate. That included frequent fliers chosen by one of the few qualified airlines and some others approved through the Customs and Border Protection's trusted traveler program, which expedites customs clearance for people returning to the U.S.
Last week, the TSA launched a new program that will allow any U.S. citizen to apply for Pre-Check. It will require pre-enrolling online at tsa.gov and then visiting an application center in person to complete the process.
Applicants will have to provide certain personal information (such as name, birthday and address), fingerprints, a valid ID and citizenship or immigration documents. There's an $85 fee.
Once approved, the travelers will be eligible to use the Pre-Check security lanes at more than 100 U.S. airports, including John Wayne and Long Beach airports. However, they still might be directed to go through the regular screening as part of the TSA's random security selection process.
The first in-person Pre-Check application center opened in Indianapolis last week. The TSA expects to have an application center in Los Angeles by the end of the year.
By next spring, the agency plans to have 300 application centers available across the country.
"This new application process will greatly increase the availability of TSA Pre-Check benefits to a broader population of travelers nationwide," TSA Administrator John Pistole said. "TSA Pre-Check is enabling us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security as we look for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way."
For more information on the Pre-Check program and to apply, visit tsa.gov.
Contact the writer: 714-796-3646 or [email protected]
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