The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will charge $28 (”14) per person per year to run background checks on passengers who join a privately run traveller registry, it was reported in The Washington Post.
The Registered Traveller programme was introduced to combat the security queues after the 9/11 attacks so that business travellers and frequent flyers could be processed more quickly. Passengers wishing to join the scheme must supply biometric and biographic information to a TSA-approved Registered Traveller programme who will in turn provide the necessary systems and cards.
So far, however, the initiative is only in place at Orlando airport. The previous TSA estimate of $100 (”51) per person per year put many airports and companies off, the report said.
Identity Pass Inc supplies the cards at Orlando airport, which are similar to those soon to be introduced at Dubai Airport by Eastnets (click here to see the article).
The company plans to roll out the system in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, San Jose and the BA terminal at New York Kennedy by January of next year.