In the United States, the new federal Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson joined Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S Pistole at Washington Dulles International Airport for the opening of the newest TSA Pre✓™ Application Center. TSA Pre✓™ Application Centers – which continue to open in cities across the US – provide US citizens and lawful permanent residents the ability to apply for TSA Pre✓™, TSA’s expedited screening.
That allows approved travellers 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, during the screening process at airports.
Johnson said: “A key part of the DHS mission is the important work TSA does every day to protect the traveling public. The expansion of TSA Pre✓™ to the nation’s busiest airports — along with these new application centers — will increase our security capabilities and expedite the screening process for travelers we consider to be our trusted partners.”
Until recently, passengers have only been eligible through existing programmes such as US Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry and frequent flier programmes with certain airlines. Since its introduction, more than 30 million passengers have already used TSA Pre✓™ at over 100 airports. Pistole said: “This new application process will greatly increase the availability of TSA Pre✓™ benefits to a broader population of travelers nationwide. TSA Pre✓™ is enabling us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, as we look for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way.”
Travelers interested in applying for TSA Pre✓™ should visit tsa.gov to begin the pre-enrollment process. All TSA Pre✓™ program applicants must then visit an application center in-person to verify their identity and citizenship/immigration status as well as to provide biographical information, (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc.) and fingerprints.
Once approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Pre✓™ lanes at security checkpoints. TSA Pre✓™ is available at over 100 participating airports and on nine major U.S. airlines including: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.
TSA adds that it continues to incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening. More information and how to enroll can be found at www.TSA.gov.
