Pre-Screened Passengers Can Keep Their Shoes And Belts On

Pre-Check operations are underway as of Wednesday at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), according to TSA. The program is a passenger pre-screening initiative and at JFK select American Airlines’ frequent flyers are now eligible to participate and may receive expedited screening benefits when traveling domestically.

TSA Pre-Check is part of the agency’s larger effort to implement risk-based security concepts that enhance security by focusing efforts on travelers considered high-risk and about whom the agency knows less. To date, more than 460,000 passengers have experienced TSA Pre-Check. Passengers that volunteer to provide information about themselves prior to flying can expedite their screening experience. TSA Pre-Check is now available in nine airports for both American Airlines’ and Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyers.

“Intelligence plays a critical role in keeping transportation safe and the continued expansion of TSA Pre-Check supports the growth of a more intelligence-driven, risk-based security system,” said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. “We are encouraged by the positive feedback we are receiving about TSA Pre-Check, the opportunities to expand it and enhancements to aviation security across the country.”
 
Eligible passengers include those flying on participating airlines as well as members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS, who are U.S. citizens.
 
If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening through the TSA Pre-Check pre-screening process, information is embedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass. TSA reads the barcode at the designated checkpoint and the passenger may be referred to a lane where they will undergo expedited screening, which could include no longer removing the following items:

• Shoes
• 3-1-1 compliant bag from carry-on
• Laptop from bag
• Light outerwear/jacket
• Belt

 
TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA’s multi-layered approach to security also includes behavior detection officers, explosives-detection systems, canine teams, and federal air marshals, among other measures both seen and unseen.

FMI: www.tsa.gov