By the end of next month, the Transportation Security Administration plans to double the number of “PreCheck” lanes at OIA from two to four, an expansion that will allow more passengers to zip through security without the hassle of removing their shoes and belts or taking their laptops out of their cases.
TSA PreCheck Program allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs who are flying on participating airlines, to receive expedited screening benefits. Eligible participants use dedicated screening lanes for screening benefits which include leaving on shoes, light outerwear and belts, as well as leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags.
And the PreCheck program, previously limited to a small group of fliers, is going to be available to everyone starting this fall. What’s required is an online application, an $85 fee and then a visit to a TSA “enrollment site” to provide fingerprints and proof of identity. The PreCheck clearance is valid for five years.
“This screening concept enhances security by enabling TSA to focus its efforts on passengers the agency knows less about while providing expedited screening for travelers who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying,” said Director of Field Operations Heather Callahan.
Not everyone is in favor of the OIA expansion, however.U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, a longtime TSA critic, said doubling the number of PreCheck lanes at OIA may make security lines longer for passengers who don’t register for the program — as TSA is converting two “regular” lanes to PreCheck lanes rather than simply adding two more lanes. “There are millions of people who fly who should not be harassed,” Mica said.
TSA officials counter that their ultimate goal is to do just that: use the PreCheck program to move along less-worrisome passengers so TSA agents can concentrate on suspicious ones.
The program likely will provide the most benefit to business travelers who fly frequently. But parents of young children get one bonus if they sign up. As long as their kids are 12 or younger, PreCheck parents can take their children with them through the lanes.
Still, registering for PreCheck doesn’t guarantee a hassle-free trip to the airport, as TSA reserves the right to conduct a more-thorough search.
