The Problem

Each day in the United States, roughly two million air travelers are advised to arrive upwards of two hours before a flight in order to be processed through a one-size-fits-all security screening system. Each traveler must present their identification for verification, take off any coats, remove their shoes, pull out their cell phone, unpack their laptop, unhook their belt, unsnap their watch, place their liquids in a clear plastic bag, and place all of their personal effects on a conveyer belt. Then, you go barefoot through a screening device and try to reassemble your belongings before the crush of passengers further backs up the screening line.

Has the system worked? By one measure - yes. There have been no successful terrorist attacks against an American aircraft since the horrible events of September 11, 2001.

Is today's security screening system the most cost effective and efficient that the United States can possibly produce? No. The country that put a man on the moon and invented the Internet can and must do better.

Why You Should Care

The current aviation security system is discouraging Americans from flying and contributing to a decline in productivity among those who choose to fly. According to a 2010 survey conducted by Consensus Research, American travelers would take an additional two to three flights per year if the hassles in security screening system were eliminated. These additional flights would add nearly $85 billion in consumer spending and 900,000 jobs to the American economy.

Proposed Solution

Congress should authorize TSA to implement a new, voluntary Trusted Traveler program that utilizes a risk-based approach to checkpoint screening, with the goal of refocusing resources on the highest risk passengers.

In October 2011, TSA began a pilot Trusted Traveler program known as PreCheck.  The program continues to expand and include more airports.

We continue to work with TSA and Congress to ensure that PreCheck is not just an enhancement for elite frequent flyer programs.  Attention and focus must be given to expanding enrollment in the program to average American travelers and allowing greater cross-enrollment for PreCheck qualifiers.

How You Can Participate in PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck pilot program is currently being tested in airports across the nation.  Throughout 2012, TSA will expand PreCheck to 28 new airports, encompassing almost every major airport in the country.  The following groups can become eligible for PreCheck:

• Select frequent flyers on American, Delta, United, and U.S. Airways.
• Participants of other Custom & Border Patrol known-traveler programs (Nexus, Sentri, Global Entry).  To learn more about enrolling in these CBP programs, click here.

Have You Participated in PreCheck?

Have you been invited to participate in TSA's PreCheck pilot program?  Was your airport security experience improved?  Or would you like to participate but have not been invited because you are not an elite frequent flyer?  We want to hear from you!  Email us and let us know your thoughts.