GRAND RAPIDS - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to expand its popular TSA Pre✓™ operations for travelers flying out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). TSA Pre✓™ is now available to Gerald R. Ford International Airport passengers flying on Delta Air Lines via Checkpoint A and on Southwest, United and American Airlines via Checkpoint B.
Well-known as the program that allows airline passengers to keep their shoes on at checkpoints, TSA Pre✓™ provides enhanced security and added traveler convenience. The program allows pre-approved travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on in select screening lanes.
“We’re pleased to expand TSA Pre✓™ and other risk-based procedures to an additional location at Grand Rapids which will both strengthen transportation security while improving the passenger experience,” said GRR TSA Federal Security Director Max Harnish.
TSA also recently launched a TSA Pre✓™ application program, allowing more U.S. citizens to enroll in TSA Pre✓™. The TSA Pre✓™ application process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to go through a pre-enrollment process online at www.TSA.gov and visit an application center to provide biographic information (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc.), fingerprints, payment and valid required identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. All TSA Pre✓™ program applicants must visit an application center inperson to verify their identity and provide documentation to confirm their citizenship/immigration status as well as to provide fingerprints. Interested applicants can visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/locator to find the enrollment center nearest them.
TSA is currently in the process of opening more than 300 application centers across the country. As application centers open across the country, this new process will allow all U.S. travelers and lawful permanent residents the ability to apply directly to TSA’s popular expedited screening program.
The TSA Pre✓™ application program requires a background check, fingerprints, and an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership. Once approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Pre✓™ lanes at security checkpoints at more than 100 participating airports and on nine major U.S. airlines including: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.
To date, passengers have only been eligible through existing programs such as U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s Global Entry program and frequent flier programs with certain airlines, but now travelers can apply directly for the expedited screening program. Since its introduction, more than 30 million passengers have already used TSA Pre✓™ nationwide.
If a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, a TSA Pre✓™ indicator will be embedded in the barcode of the boarding pass so that, when scanned at the checkpoint, the passenger may be referred to a TSA Pre✓™ lane. Eligible passengers should utilize the TSA Pre✓™ lane to receive expedited screening.
“We encourage passengers to look for the words ‘TSA Pre✓™’ on their boarding passes. If found, take advantage of the screening efficiencies in our TSA Pre✓™ lanes in Checkpoints A and B,” Harnish said.
More than 30 million passengers have experienced TSA Pre✓™ since it launched in October 2011 and the program is currently available at more than 100 airports and nine different airlines. Travelers can check the TSA Pre✓™ Participating Airports page for information on locations and hours of active TSA Pre✓™ lanes.
As always, TSA continues to incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening. Additional program information and how to enroll can be found at www.TSA.gov.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of September 11, 2001, to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Today, TSA secures the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. TSA’s workforce comprises approximately 50,000 frontline officers who screen approximately 1.8 million travelers each day at more than 450 airports nationwide. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.
