The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole said that the agency expects to launch a trial trusted traveler program for some passengers later this year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Implementing a trusted traveler program was a key recommendation of U.S. Travel's March 2011 report on aviation security.
"We're working with airlines, U.S. carriers initially, to say for those who are willing to share information about themselves, what can we gain from that that would help us make informed judgments" about passenger security, Pistole told the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
U.S. Travel said it strongly supports TSA's efforts to implement a risk-based trusted traveler program where travelers can opt in and voluntarily provide background information to qualify for expedited screening, similar to trusted traveler programs operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
"We are extremely pleased to hear Administrator Pistole plans to implement a trial trusted traveler program as early as this fall," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "U.S. travelers will greatly appreciate TSA's responsiveness on this issue."
Visit www.ustravel.org.