TSA Launches Pilot Air Security Program

The Transportation Security Administration is launching a pilot program in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, and Miami that will allow some airline passengers to move more quickly through security. The pilot program will apply to members of Delta and American Airlines frequent-flier clubs who are U.S. citizens, The Washington Post reports.

TSA Administrator John Pistole said that passengers who are qualified could move through an ‘expedited’ process at security checkpoints. Pistole did not reveal what time-savers would be instituted but suggested requirements such as removing shoes and taking laptops out of their cases might be included, the Post reported.

“These improvements will enable our officers to focus their efforts on higher-risk areas,” Pistole said according to the Post. “Enhancing identity-based screening is another common-sense step in the right direction as we continue to strengthen overall security and improve the passenger experience whenever possible.”

TSA plans to eventually expand the pilot program to include Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United Airlines, and US Airways. Pistole said TSA will continue to use random security measures, adding that those qualified for expedited clearance would not be guaranteed that experience on every flight, the Post reported.