The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) announced expansion of PreCheck enrollment options won the endorsement of U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow.
"Aviation security procedures have undergone something of a renaissance in which policymakers have achieved innovations that simultaneously improve security levels and the passenger experience. PreCheck is a prime example, and the travel community is grateful to (TSA) Administrator Pistole and the Obama Administration for continuing to push for its expansion. We look forward to the continued evolution of this highly effective and already successful program. The next step is to find mechanisms for the private sector to participate more broadly in PreCheck promotion and enrollment," Dow said.
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"We still have a lot of work to do before travel to and within the U.S. is all it can be. But I for one am optimistic that we are working toward a golden age of travel, with all of the attendant economic benefits. Programs like PreCheck, Global Entry and Visa Waiver are bricks in the road that's going to take us there," Dow said.
The TSA announced the first application site for its TSA PreCheck Application Program at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), and unveiled the online pre-enrollment program at www.tsa.gov.
The new application process allows U.S. citizens to directly enroll in TSA PreCheck, an expedited screening program that allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on, in select screening lanes.
To date, TSA said passengers have only been eligible through existing programs such as U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s Global Entry program and frequent flier programs with certain airlines, but this announcement will allow travelers to apply directly for the expedited screening program. Since its introduction, more than 25 million passengers have already used TSA PreCheck nationwide.
Starting Wednesday, travelers in the Indianapolis area will be able to apply and complete their background interview at the application center at IND. By the end of the year, TSA expects to open application centers in the New York City area, the Washington, D.C. metro area and the Los Angeles area. TSA said it ultimately plans to expand to more than 300 application centers across the country.
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The TSA PreCheck application process allows U.S. citizens to go through a pre-enrollment process online and visit an application center to provide biographic information (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc.), fingerprints, payment and valid required identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. All TSA PreCheck program applicants must visit an application center in-person to verify their identity and citizenship/immigration status as well as to provide fingerprints, TSA says.
As application centers open across the country, this new process will allow all U.S. travelers the ability to apply directly to TSA’s popular expedited screening program.
The TSA PreCheck Application Program requires a background check, fingerprints, and an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership. Once approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints at more than 100 participating airports and on nine major U.S. airlines.
Visit www.tsa.gov