But Some Airports Still Aren't Interested
It's been more than five years since
the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks prompted development of a
'trusted traveler' program. Only six of the nation's airports are
actually using it.
But the sluggishness seems to be dissipating somewhat. In recent
weeks, five more airports have signed with private partners to
operate the government's Registered Traveler program, reports USA
Today. Denver, Washington Dulles, Reagan Washington National and
San Francisco all have indicated their intent to seek out partners
to run their Registered Traveler programs.
"We're pleased there are some competitors anticipated in the
marketplace," says Bill Connors, executive director of the National
Business Travel Association, which supports the program. "More
choice, the better."
For an annual membership fee, the Registered Traveler program
provides its members go through a separate, faster airport security
lane. To qualify, applicants must pass a governmental background
check and submit biometric information such as fingerprints or an
iris scan that will be read by an electronic device at the
gate.
Part of the TSA's approval for companies to manage the programs
includes the stipulation that members of one program be allowed to
use others' lanes. Five companies have received at least
preliminary approval so far.
Vigilant Solutions is one such company. It is primarily a radio
frequency technology firm and calls its program the Preferred
Traveler Program. For a fee of $149 a year, subscribers have access
to the speedy check-in lane at Jacksonville used by flight
crews.
As of yet, the company has not implemented the biometric
identification -- but expects to have such systems in place by the
end of this year.
Although subscribers can't yet use their card at other airports'
Registered Traveler lanes, Julie Venditti, Vigilant's chief
technology officer, says that will change once its program receives
full certification by TSA, hopefully by the end of this month.
FLO (Fast Lane Option) is a subsidiary of biometrics technology
firm Saflink in Kirkland, WA and has signed its first airport
customer in Huntsville, AL -- and is looking to begin service in
October, says Kevin Mitchell, an FLO consultant.
Unisys, a security technology company from Blue Bell, PA has
targeted May 15 to launch its program, RTGo, at its first airport,
Reno/Tahoe International. It has pre-enrolled about 100
customers.
Only Verified Identity
Pass, or VIP, in New York is operating the full program with about
45,000 travelers already paying $100 a year to subscribe.
But, some airports just aren't interested. Dallas-Fort Worth
International has shown no interest whatsoever in the Registered
Traveler program. "Passenger security and efficiency should be
readily available for all passengers," DFW spokesman David
Magaña said.
The Air Transport Association said in a statement TSA resources
"should not be diverted from efficiently and effectively screening
all passengers, to a program that provides limited and questionable
benefits for some customers."