The US has expanded its security waiver programme to include 11 new airlines.
The Transport Security Administration (TSA) Pre Check process includes both foreign and domestic airlines operating within the US.
Virgin Atlantic has become the first UK airline to participate in the programme.
Customers who are eligible for TSA Pre check include:
- TSA Pre Check members (open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents)
- Global Entry members (open to UK and US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and eligible citizens in certain other countries. For a current list of eligible citizens, visit CBP)
- NEXUS members (open to citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US or Canada)
- SENTRI members (open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents)
- U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the US Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.
Effective immediately, eligible passengers travelling on: Aruba Airlines, Avianca, Boutique Airlines, Emirates, Key Lime Air, Miami Air International, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sunwing, Virgin Atlantic, and Xtra Airways will now have the opportunity to experience expedited screening.
The other participating airlines are: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, OneJet, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America, and WestJet.
The screening programme allows travellers to pass through security without having to remove shoes, laptops, liquids and belts.
The TSA said last year 97 per cent of passengers got through a screening lane in less than five minutes.
Travellers can apply for TSA Pre Check for a cost of $85 for five years, or $17 a year.
“Partnering with 11 additional airlines to offer TSA Pre will significantly increase our trusted traveller population, and reflects our commitment to implement the most effective aviation security,” said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.
“By collaborating with our partners in industry and the aviation community, we will continue to increase the number of airlines participating in TSA Pre, enabling more eligible travellers across the country to experience expedited screening.”
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