TSA’s Pre✓ expedited screening program expanded on Thursday to include four new international airlines of Air France, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Philippine Airlines and World Atlantic which is Florida based charter airline.
This “expedited screening process” allows selected passengers to pass security check their shoes, belts and light jackets on. Also, there is no need to remove laptops or liquids from their bags.
Here’s the press release from the TSA:
WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration today announced the expansion of its TSA Pre✓® expedited screening program to five additional domestic and international carriers. The five new partnering airlines are Air France, Brussels Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Philippine Airlines and World Atlantic. Today’s announcement brings the number of airlines participating in TSA Pre✓® to 47 domestic and international carriers.
These new partnerships will significantly increase the trusted traveler population as TSA continues its efforts to raise the baseline for aviation security. TSA is committed to increasing the number of airlines participating in TSA Pre✓® and helping more eligible travelers across the country to experience expedited screening.
TSA Pre✓® is an expedited screening program that enables low-risk travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience at more than 200 U.S. airports. For TSA Pre✓® travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.
TSA Pre✓® is available when departing from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after returning to the U.S. Travelers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. can apply for TSA Pre✓® for a cost of $85 for five years, or $17 per year through the TSA Pre✓® application program. Once approved, travelers will receive a “Known Traveler Number” to input when making an airline reservation and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Pre✓® lanes at select security checkpoints when traveling on any of the 47 participating airlines.
Other passengers who are eligible for TSA Pre✓® include the three U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs, Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. TSA Pre✓® is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard. To find the program that best suits your travel needs, use the Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler comparison tool.
As always, TSA continues to incorporate unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.
For more information, visit tsa.gov or read the frequently asked questions about TSA Pre✓®.
Conclusion
It is great that the number of foreign airlines included in this TSA’s program is increasing.
One would say that this Pre✓ is pretty much the only civilized screening method, although the lines at the US airports at these designated lanes appear to be rather long at times.
