TSA To Test Trusted Traveler Program With Certain Delta & American Airlines Frequent Fliers

In May, TSA chief John Pistole said the agency was considering a program that would allow pre-vetted “trusted travelers” to get through airport security faster. Today, the TSA announced actual details of the program it will begin testing on a small group of fliers.

The AP reports:

Specifically, the pilot program covers selected travelers enrolled in Delta Air Lines’ frequent-flier program or three other government-trusted traveler programs — Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI — involving people who travel regularly through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airports; and travelers enrolled in American Airlines’ frequent-flier program, or the three government programs, who travel regularly through Miami International and Dallas-Fort Worth International airports. There is no cost to participate.

The TSA will use the additional information available about travelers from these frequent-flier and other programs to do further pre-screening on top of its current check against terrorist watch lists.

Eligible travelers will be contacted by the participating airlines and asked if they want to volunteer to be included in the program.

If successful, TSA hopes to roll this program out to additional airports and carriers, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, US Airways and Alaska and Hawaiian airlines.

TSA to kick off pre-screening test for frequent fliers [Chicago Tribune]

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