All travelers know that airport security is an inescapable component of air travel. Over the years, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has evolved from a one-size-fits-all security screening approach to a risk-based, intelligence-driven strategy. Airport security screening continues to change in order to mitigate threats and improve the passenger experience. Here we review the most updated details of TSA airport security that will help your travels run smoothly.

TSA Precheck – Expedited TSA Airport Security

TSA Precheck (or TSA Pre✓^®) is an expedited security screening that is available at over 150 U.S. airports with 12 participating airlines. Travelers can apply for the program online and make an appointment at your preferred location for a personal interview and fingerprinting in order to be approved and receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). The cost is $85 for a five-year approval; however, the fee is not refunded if you are not approved. Travel Maestro tip: There are two permanent interview locations in Richmond: The Richmond International Airport and Richmond Counseling Center on Bremo Road in the West End.

Even with a KTN, no passenger is guaranteed expedited screening. Those who are selected will have an indicator printed on their boarding pass and they will be directed to the Precheck security lanes.

The advantage of going through the TSA Precheck expedited security lanes is that there is no need to remove shoes, belts or light jackets, and laptops and 3-1-1 liquids can stay stowed in carry-ons, so it’s a quicker TSA airport security experience.

TSA Precheck Security Exceptions

Because there is a fee for the TSA Precheck program, participants tend to be frequent fliers or, at least, experienced fliers. For some months, the agency used a Managed Inclusion program to funnel “low risk” non-Precheck passengers through the expedited lanes at their discretion, to balance the load across the standard checkpoints. Inexperienced fliers frequently snarled the security lanes, effectively mitigating the expedited service that others paid for. To the relief of Precheck-approved frequent fliers, that Managed Inclusion program has now been eliminated. Now only bonafide Precheck members are chosen for express security.

There has also been some confusion as to the rules for children and seniors in TSA airport security lanes. While there is some form of modified screening for children 12 and younger and adults 75 and older, they are not automatically eligible for the expedited Precheck lanes. Instead, they go through the standard security lanes but are not required to remove shoes unless they alarm and have modified pat down procedures. Travel Maestro tip: Children will not be separated from parents, so if the parent is approved and selected for Precheck, a child 12 or under can go through the expedited lanes with them. Children over 13 must go through the standard lanes.

All member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Reserves, National Guard, cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy are eligible to receive Precheck expedited screening by using their Department of Defense (DoD) ID number as their Known Traveler Number. Military personnel do not need to be in uniform and can use Precheck when on personal travel. Children under 13 traveling with them may also use the Precheck lanes. Travel Maestro tip: DoD and Coast Guard civilian employees also qualify, but must opt-in on the “milconnect” website.

Image Screening Update

TSA uses Advanced Imaging Technology to detect potential threat objects concealed on the body. The scanner software displays any foreign objects overlaid on a generic avatar, not an image of the individual being scanned. Also, TSA has quietly changed its operating protocol that enables individuals to opt out of the image screening in favor of a pat-down. The majority of travelers will still be able to choose the physical screening if they are uncomfortable with the image screening, but for those who are flagged for extended screening, participating in image screening will be the only way to pass TSA airport security.

We all know that airport security is here to stay, but savvy travelers who know the ropes can expedite the process for a better travel experience. Please contact Covington if we can answer any questions about TSA airport security.