Products and Services
TSA to Expand PreCheck to 28 U.S. Airports
By Matt Alderton
February 10, 2012
Following its success at seven pilot locations, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will expand its express security checkpoint program to 28 additional airports in 2012, it announced this week.
Known as TSA PreCheck — or TSA Pre✓™ — the voluntary "trusted traveler" program allows eligible fliers who pass a background check in advance of flying to pass more quickly through security checkpoints thanks to a special expedited screening lane that does not require passengers to remove their shoes, belts, coats, laptops or carry-on toiletries.
"Good, thoughtful, sensible security by its very nature facilitates lawful travel and legitimate commerce," said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. "The expansion of TSA Pre✓™ to the nation’s busiest airports will increase our security capabilities and expedite the screening process for travelers we consider our trusted partners."
Launched in October 2011 at four U.S. airports — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Dallas/Fort Worth International and Miami International airports — TSA Pre✓™ was expanded to Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport on Dec. 14, followed by Los Angeles International and Minneapolis-St. Paul International airports earlier this year.
The program will now be rolled out throughout 2012 at the following additional airports:
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
"TSA Pre✓™ moves us closer to our goal of delivering the most effective and efficient screening by recognizing that most passengers do not pose a threat to security," said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. "We are pleased to expand this important effort, in collaboration with our airline and airport partners, as we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more intelligence-driven, risk-based transportation security system."
TSA Pre✓™ is currently operating with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. According to the TSA, US Airways, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are all opting in new passengers and will begin operations later this year.
To date, more than 336,000 passengers have been screened in TSA Pre✓™ lanes. Those eligible to participate in the program include certain frequent flyers from participating airlines as well as members of Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS) who are U.S. citizens and fly on a participating airline.
"Expanding PreCheck is a significant step in improving the efficiency of our nation's airports and making air travel less of a hassle for travelers while maintaining security," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "However, we must ensure PreCheck is not just an enhancement to elite frequent flyer programs, focus on expanding enrollment in the program to average American travelers and allow greater cross-enrollment for PreCheck passengers."
For more information about TSA Pre✓™, or to apply for enrollment, visit
www.globalentry.gov.