TSA to trial 'trusted travelers' program at select US airports this fall

US Transportation Security Administration said it will launch a pilot program this fall to test new airport screening strategies that aim, among other goals, to provide "trusted travelers with expedited screening." The program's establishment indicates that Administrator John Pistole is starting to follow through on his pronouncements earlier this year about making TSA "a truly risk-based, intelligence-driven organization" (ATW, June 1).

The agency said in a statement Thursday that it "will test enhancements to TSA's pre-flight, identity-based screening capabilities through a partnership with US Customs and Border Protection as well as US air carriers." During the pilot program's first phase, "certain frequent fliers" and "certain members of CBP's trusted traveler programs" (such as Global Entry, which allows frequent international passengers to gain expected access through customs upon return to the US) who are US citizens "will be eligible to participate … which could qualify them for expedited screening at select checkpoints at certain airports."

Airports initially participating in the pilot program will include Atlanta, Detroit Metro, Miami and Dallas/Fort Worth, according to TSA.

"These improvements will enable our officers to focus their efforts on higher risk areas," Pistole said. "Enhancing identity-based screening is another common sense step in the right direction as we continue to strengthen overall security, and improve the passenger experience whenever possible."

TSA noted that the "pilot initiative will help inform … next steps as the agency considers future risk-based, intelligence-driven security measures that would enable travelers to volunteer more information about themselves prior to flying." Pistole emphasized TSA "will continue to incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening."

US airlines and airports quickly applauded TSA's announcement. US Air Transport Assn. President and CEO Nicholas Calio said, "Allowing TSA to focus its finite resources on that which creates the greatest threat is both good policy and good security." He added that as "early as this week," select frequent flyers from American Airlines and Delta Air Lines "will be notified of their eligibility" for expedited screening in the pilot program. "Those passengers who are nominated for this optional program will then have to opt-in with one of the two airlines," ATA noted. It added that "if the proof of concept is successful, ATA expects that a second phase will include other member airlines: Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, US Airways and United Airlines."

Airports Council International-North America President Greg Principato stated, "Airport officials have long advocated for a risk-based approach to airport security, as it helps to more precisely focus screening resources. Today's announcement of the risk-based screening pilot program is a step in the right direction."