The Transportation Security Administration announced this week it will expand its expedited security screening program to 60 new airports — including Savannah’s — by the end of the year.
TSA Precheck lanes will be established at select checkpoints to allow pre-approved airline travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belts and keep laptops and compliant liquids and gels in their bags while passing through security.
The implementation will bring the number of airports with expedited lanes from 40 to 100 by the beginning of 2014.
“Expanding TSA’s Precheck to Savannah/Hilton Head International will be an added convenience for those passengers who choose to participate,” said airport executive director Greg Kelly.
“We’re pleased to be in line for the program.”
Since the precheck program was launched in October 2011, more than 15 million passengers have gone through the quicker lines.
“As TSA continues to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, we are looking for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way possible,” said TSA administrator John S. Pistole. “Expanding TSA Precheck to more locations enables many more passengers across the country to experience expedited screening.”
Passengers who are eligible for precheck include U.S. citizens in frequent traveler programs invited by participating airlines. Additionally, U.S. citizens who are members of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program and Canadian citizens who are members of CBP’s NEXUS program qualify.
Eligible passengers traveling on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America may receive expedited screening benefits. JetBlue and Southwest are expected to participate as soon as their operations are ready.
If a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, a TSA Precheck indicator will be embedded in the barcode of the boarding pass so the passenger may be referred to a Precheck lane. Several airlines already print the indicator on the boarding pass so passengers will know in advance they have been cleared for expedited screening.
TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport, Pistole said. No individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.