TSA to trial express security line for some frequent flyers at US airports

Streamlining airport security: trials of the new express lanes for certain frequent flyers will enable the TSA to focus on screening passengers it knows less about. Photo source: Associated Press

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has unveiled plans to launch a pilot scheme which will fast track flyers through airport security if they are willing to undergo an extensive background check.

The agency believes the ‘known traveler program’ will cut queues at the checkpoint and filter out ‘low-risk’ travellers with an intelligence-driven approach to security.

Passengers who pass the background check will have access to a different security line, designed to be free from extra security measures including removing shoes and laptops from bags – although in some cases travellers may be asked to undergo secondary screening.

The new trial, which is due to begin in the Autumn, will initially be available to certain frequent flyers on American Airlines and Delta and only at airports in Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit and Miami.

U.S. citizens who are part of the U.S Customs and Border Protection’s “Trusted Traveler programs” will also qualify for membership, but travellers cannot apply for it.

The airlines will nominate qualifying customers, who can choose whether to opt in and submit to a background check.

The known traveler program will be extended to include other airlines and airports in future, if the trial is successful.

The TSA hopes it could pave the way to improving airport security, by using intelligence to pre-screen passengers – freeing up resources to focus on ‘high-risk’ individuals.

US congressmen heavily criticised the TSA this week for allowing 25,000 security lapses to happen in the decade since 9/11. The breaches have also exposed weaknesses in perimeter security.