On September 14th, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that four international airlines would join the TSA’s PreCheck program. The airlines include Flair, Air Europa, Volaris El Salvador, and ITA Airways. Passengers aboard these airlines departing the US may now skip the long lines at security checkpoints.
Security membership
The four new airlines added to the TSA PreCheck program are all based in different countries and offer international flights to and from the US. Volaris El Salvador is based in the Central American country of El Salvador. Flair Airlines is a Canadian-based airline. ITA Airways is an Italian airline, and Air Europa is based in Spain. The airlines hope the new fast pass offering through security will give them a competitive edge in their respective markets.
TSA PreCheck allows passengers to skip long lines and get right to the front of the security checkpoint. Photo: Getty Images
TSA PreCheck is available for passengers departing US airports on domestic flights in addition to international flights. Passengers journeying from Nassau, Bahamas, to the US are also given this opportunity. Passengers returning to the US may utilize the service before boarding a connecting domestic flight. The service is only available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and US nationals.
Passengers must apply for a PreCheck membership before going through security to be eligible. Applicants must undergo a thorough background check and be deemed low-risk before being given a membership. The membership grants passengers unlimited use at all 200 plus participating airports. Members will find one of the following labels on their boarding pass indicating they are eligible for PreCheck; TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA Pre✓®.
The membership fee is $85 for five years. Passengers may renew their memberships six months before expiration for $70. New applicants receive a Known Travel Number (KTN) which allows them to utilize PreCheck services. Children 12 and under may undergo PreCheck screening with an adult with a valid KTN.
US Armed Forces members are eligible to be granted membership at no cost. Passengers who are also members of other DHS Trusted Traveler Programs may already qualify for PreCheck without obtaining another membership. The membership included are NEXUS, Global Entry, and SENTRL.
Speedy security
This past August, one of the busiest air travel months in history, 95% of all passengers who went through TSA PreCheck waited less than five minutes in line before beginning the security process. The unique offering hastens the security process in a few ways. The majority of travelers in the US do not use PreCheck, meaning that the lines are inherently concise. While being screened, passengers may keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on. They may leave all laptops and liquids in carry-on baggage through the screening process, providing no amount of any one liquid exceeds three ounces.
TSA PreCheck allows passengers to go through security screening without removing belts and shoes enabling a faster trip through security. Photo: Getty Images.
Decreased wait times
TSA PreCheck was developed to help regular travelers have smoother travel experiences. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA, is one of the multiple government agencies working to improve airports around the US. Earlier this week, President Biden reprimanded the US transportation industry for falling behind competing countries.
The federal government is working to improve the conditions at many major US airports. Everything from baggage carousels to security screening are being updated with new systems and technology to make airline travel faster, more convenient, and more secure.
What do you think of the international airlines being added to TSA PreCheck? Let us know in the comments below.