Feb. 10--Indianapolis International Airport is among the newest of the nation's busiest airports to join the TSA's passenger pre-screening program so travelers can zip through security checkpoints.
The expedited screening means approved passengers no longer would be asked to remove their shoes and belts, take out their laptops for inspection or remove light outerwear and jackets.
The Department of Homeland Security has been conducting trials of its operations, dubbed Pre-Check, at seven airports scattered across the country.
And officials from Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration said the program will be expanded to 28 other airports, including Indianapolis, sometime this year.
With more than 336,000 passengers signed up and screened through Pre-Check so far, TSA officials said the program enhances airport security by concentrating on people likely to be greater threats. And smoothing out the process helps speed up checkpoints lines.
"Good, thoughtful, sensible security by its very nature facilitates lawful travel and legitimate commerce," Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a statement from the government agency.
"The expansion of TSA Pre-Check to the nation's busiest airports will increase our security capabilities and expedite the screening process for travelers we consider our trusted partners."
Eligible passengers, who answer TSA questions in advance to join the program, include certain frequent fliers from participating airlines, members of some government agencies and Trusted Traveler programs such as SENTRI and NEXUS.
More information is available online at www.tsa.gov.
Private companies have tried to establish similar pre-screening services. Verified Identity Pass opened operations at the Indianapolis airport four years ago, and iQueue tried it two years ago.
Both failed to get enough airports to join their networks and failed to sign up enough members with fees in the range of $179 to $199 a year.
TSA's announcement does not indicate a fee.
Copyright 2012 - The Indianapolis Star
