With the onset of the surge of summer travelers, lines get longer, wait times increase and airport efficiency is stretched thin.  It’s the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that has the job of keeping the surge flowing smoothly and the TSA Pre-Check Program is their attempt to do so.

A couple of years ago, TSA rolled out its pre-check enrollment program.  At the onset it was a free program, but numbers for those who qualified swelled to 45% of all passengers on domestic itineraries – bringing the intended smooth flow to a slow trickle.  Lines for the expedited security screening process grew longer and longer.  In September of 2015, TSA limited those who could qualify by making the enrollment application a cost of $85 per person and prescreens the traveler so that they do not have to remove their shoes, belts, outerwear, 3-1-1 liquids and laptop bags at checkpoints. The best part about this offer is the pre-check status lasts 5 years.  To qualify for this expedited security screening program, applicants must be members of a Trusted Traveler program.

For travelers who do qualify, the TSA program will assign a KTN (known traveler number) number that must be used when booking flight reservations.  The program is available at more than 160 airports with 12 participating airlines listed below:

For more information on how to apply visit tsa.gov.

In collaboration with Delta Air Lines, TSA also plans to install more automated screening equipment at more checkpoints.  More automated screening means less TSA staff needed to screen the bins and trays.

Other initiatives include increasing staff and canine teams, and securing overtime funding for TSA officers. Make sure not to travel without your insurance up to date, and find out more about our insurance programs specifically for aviation professionals!

Sources:

Aviation pros.com

tsa.gov

http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/09/17/free-tsa-precheck/