Fly safe: sorting out the new TSA screening options

Screen time: Minneapolis will be added to the TSA’s pre-screening initiative this year.

By Mark Chesnut

In today’s ever-changing world of air travel, the experience you have during security screening is likely to depend on the airport you’re moving through. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced new test and pilot programs at some airports, bringing changes — and potential new options — for frequent flyers. Here is a sample of what to expect this year.

Judging character
Last year, the TSA expanded to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport a pilot program that allows security officers at checkpoints to engage travelers in conversations to determine is warranted. Boston Logan airport was the first facility to introduce this; additional cities may join the program based onhow they feel the pilot is going.

Voluntary pre-screening
The TSA has expanded its testing of a voluntary passenger pre-screening initiative with a limited group of travelers at four U.S. airports. The “TSA Pre” initiative — arranged in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as U.S. air carriers — is available so far to certain frequent flyers from Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and some members of the CBP’s Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS.

Passengers who fly Delta out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County or on American out of Dallas/Fort Worth International and Miami International airports are eligible to participate in this program, which could qualify them for faster screening at some checkpoints. TSA also recently expanded TSA Pre to eligible passengers flying on Delta and American out of Las Vegas. Early this year, the organization plans to offer it to eligible passengers flying on Delta from Minneapolis and American from Los Angeles International Airport.

Related resources

• Atlanta hotels
• Denver hotels
• Las Vegas hotels

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America. Unfortunately he’s not available for pre-screening.

Tagged: California, Las Vegas