The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun TSA Pre-Check operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston. Select United Airlines frequent travelers and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs are eligible to participate and may receive expedited screening benefits when flying domestically. The passenger prescreening initiative is part of the agency’s larger effort to implement risk-based security concepts that enhance security by focusing efforts on travelers considered to be high-risk.
“The expansion of TSA Pre-Check brings the agency closer to a more effective and efficient security system,” said Ann Testa, federal security director for George Bush Intercontinental Airport. “As a more intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to passenger screening, TSA Pre-Check allows us to optimize our resources at the checkpoint by separating out low-risk individuals and those we can learn more about.”
Eligible passengers include U.S. citizens flying on participating airlines as well as members of CBP Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. IAH has a CBP Enrollment Center on site.
If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, information is imbedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass. TSA reads the barcode at the designated checkpoint and the passenger may be referred to the TSA Pre-Check lane where they will undergo a quicker screening process, which could include being able to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt as well as allowing them to keep their laptop in its case and their compliant liquids/gels bag in their carry-on.
TSA Pre-Check is now available in 19 airports for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways frequent travelers.
The Details
The Transportation Security Administrationwww.tsa.gov