The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the expansion of TSA Pre✓ to 11 new airlines, bringing the total number of airlines participating in TSA Pre✓ to 30.
The expansion includes both foreign and domestic airlines operating within the United States.
Effective immediately, eligible passengers traveling on Aruba Airlines, Avianca, Boutique Airlines, Emirates, Key Lime Air, Miami Air International, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sunwing, Virgin Atlantic, and Xtra Airways will now have the opportunity to experience expedited screening.
TSA Pre✓® is an expedited screening program that enables trusted travelers to enjoy a secure and efficient screening experience at more than 180 U.S. airports. TSA Pre✓® passengers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. Last month, 97 percent of TSA Pre✓® passengers got through an expedited screening lane in less than 5 minutes.
Huban A. Gowadia, TSA Acting Administrator:
“Partnering with 11 additional airlines to offer TSA Pre✓® will significantly increase our trusted traveler population, and reflects our commitment to implement the most effective aviation security.
“By collaborating with our partners in industry and the aviation community, we will continue to increase the number of airlines participating in TSA Pre✓®, enabling more eligible travelers across the country to experience expedited screening.”
Today, a total of 30 carriers participate in TSA Pre✓®. The other participating airlines are: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, OneJet, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America, and WestJet.
Passengers can apply for TSA Pre✓® for a cost of $85 for five years, or $17 per year. Other passengers who are eligible for TSA Pre✓® include members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs, such as Global Entry and NEXUS for Canadian citizens. 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.
TSA continues to incorporate unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All passengers will be screened, and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.
N.B. Image credit: Avianca
