Pre-Screening Program Can Expedite The Security Process For Some Travelers

The TSA announced Tuesday the start of TSA Pre-Check operations at Tampa International Airport (KTPA) in Florida and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (KCLT) in North Carolina. At CLT, select US Airways frequent flyers and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program are now eligible to participate in the initiative. In addition to US Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are also operational at CLT and eligible TSA Pre-Check passengers traveling on these airlines may access the TSA Pre-Check lane for expedited screening. In Tampa, select Delta Air Lines frequent flyers and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs are now eligible to participate in the initiative when traveling domestically

TSA Pre-Check – a passenger prescreening initiative – is part of the agency’s ongoing effort to implement risk-based security concepts that enhance security by focusing on travelers the agency knows less about. More than 1.7 million passengers have received expedited screening through TSA Pre-Check security lanes since the initiative began last fall. TSA Pre-Check is now available in 18 airports for select U.S. citizens traveling on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways and members of CBP Trusted Traveler programs.

"TSA Pre-Check is one of several intelligence-driven, risk-based initiatives we are using to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach," said Mark Haught, Charlotte Federal Security Director. "Developing and implementing efforts such as this bring us closer to our goal of providing all travelers the most effective security in the most efficient way."
 
Eligible passengers include U.S. citizens flying domestically on participating airlines, as well as members of CBP’s Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS. CLT has a CBP Enrollment Center on site. Individuals interested in applying should visit .
 
If TSA determines a passenger qualifies for TSA Pre-Check, information is embedded in the barcode of the passengers boarding pass. TSA reads the barcode at the designated checkpoint, and the passenger may be referred to the TSA Pre-Check lane to undergo expedited screening, which could include being able to leave on shoes, light outerwear and belts, and allowing laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bags to remain inside carry-on baggage.

TSA has expanded TSA Pre-Check benefits to U.S. military active duty members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National and Seattle-Tacoma International airports. In addition to TSA Pre-Check, TSA has implemented other risk-based security measures including modified screening procedures for passengers 12 and younger and 75 and older.

TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no passenger is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA’s multi-layered approach to security consists of more than 20 layers, including behavior detection officers, explosives-detection systems, baggage screening, canine teams, and federal air marshals, among other measures both seen and unseen. 

FMI: www.tsa.gov, www.globalentry.gov