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."

FMI: www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/rt/index.shtm