TSA PreCheck Program Lets You Speed through Security

A new program from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will make it so passengers can pay a fee to not have to stand in a slow security line, according to FOX News.

The new program is called PreCheck, and it expedites the security process, bringing what it calls "trusted travelers" through security lines faster. It does this by using TSA-approved, dedicated PreCheck lanes. Passengers using this process will be able to keep their shoes on, leave their toiletries and laptops in their bags and keep their jacket and belt on.

Passengers can join this program by being a member of an existing trusted traveler program or by being a frequent traveler with one of the participating airlines, which currently include Alaska, American, Delta, United and US Airways. Virgin America will soon join and invite their elite passengers to participate.

Passengers can also apply for PreCheck by applying for membership into a trusted traveler program, of which there are currently three. They are Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. Those granted membership would automatically be opted-in to PreCheck.

Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and allows passengers to skip the line at immigration and customs, and just check in at a kiosk. SENTRI is a fast-track program for crossing the U.S./Mexico border, and NEXUS is the same concept only on the U.S./Canada border.

Once gaining membership to any of these programs, passengers are only able to use their membership when they fly with a participating airline. Additionally, passengers opting to participate in PreCheck must follow the proper procedures, which include making sure your "known traveler number" is attached to your flight booking.

Some international flights became eligible in May. The full list is available on the TSA web site.

The time saved is worth going through the application process if you haven't been invited to participate. It can be especially helpful for passengers traveling with children.