Lufthansa is the first European air carrier to participate in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Pre•® program.
It means that eligible passengers flying Lufthansa can have expedited screening at security checkpoints of participating U.S. airports.
TSA Pre✓® is an expedited screening program that enables trusted travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience at more than 180 U.S. airports. For TSA Pre✓® passengers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 compliant liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. Enrollment in TSA Pre✓® costs $85, an average cost of $17 per year.
If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, information is embedded in the barcode and the TSA Pre•® imprint will appear on the passenger’s boarding pass. When TSA scans the barcode at the security checkpoint, the passenger may be referred to a TSA Pre•® lane.
Juergen Siebenrock, Vice President, The Americas, Lufthansa Group:
“Lufthansa strives to maintain its role as one of the leading airlines in the aviation industry, and in doing so, continually aims for improvement and innovation advancements. Together, we are pleased in advancing this important U.S. government trusted-traveler initiative, the TSA Pre•® program. This is one of several new initiatives that adds to our commitment towards constantly enhancing the quality level of the customer experience on the overall journey with Lufthansa.”
Currently, U.S. citizens, dual citizens, and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply to the TSA Pre•® Application Program, as well as members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs such as NEXUS for Canadian Citizens, as well as Global Entry which is currently available for eight nationalities including Germany.
TSA Pre✓® is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.
18 carriers now participate in TSA Pre✓®: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, OneJet, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.
In July 2016, 97 percent of TSA Pre✓® passengers experienced wait times of five minutes or less.
N.B. Image credit: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
