Hate being harassed by the TSA during lengthy security screenings? You can undergo a less-strict, speedier screening process, but it's going to cost you.
The Transportation Security Administration announced that it will expand its PreCheck screening program to the general public, but access to the program will cost a fee, the Washington Post reports.
The TSA is relaxing its screening guidelines for some frequent fliers and international travelers who are willing to undergo a pre-screening. The agency announced that they will expand its PreCheck program, which will allow more passengers to go through airport security without being subjected to the typical search.
The program "enables us to focus on the travelers we know the least about, adding efficiency and effectiveness to the screening process," TSA Administrator John S. Pistole said in a statement.
Those who register for the PreCheck program will have access to special screening lanes where they won't have to remove their laptops.shoes, belts or outerwear. They will still have to go through a body and bag scan.
The only catch is that the service comes at a price. Those interested in PreCheck can apply for it through an online enrollment site which will start sometime in the fall. A customer will have to provide personal information including name, gender, date of birth, Social Security number and addresses and will have to pay a fee which the TSA expects to set at $85. Members must also undergo a background check and fingerprinting.
The program is currently only available to frequent fliers, but it will be open to more fliers with the expansion. It is also only used at 40 airports as of now, but this is also expected to change. Twelve-million people have already used this program.
The program will benefit the TSA. They expect to make $255 million this year alone.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
