Frequent fliers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport could soon get through security a little faster, as the Transportation Safety Administration rolls out its PreCheck expedited screening program in Charlotte.
The TSA said Wednesday that it will expand the program, which has been tested at seven airports, to about 30 more airports across the country. The agency didn't give an exact timetable, but said it expects to complete the expansion this year.
Eligible passengers will be diverted to security lines where they'll go through an expedited screening. The TSA doesn't say exactly how the screening differs, citing security reasons, but said PreCheck passengers might not have to remove their shoes, belts or light jackets. And they might be allowed to leave laptops in carry-on bags.
"TSA PreCheck moves us closer to our goal of delivering the most effective and efficient screening by recognizing that most passengers do not pose a threat to security," TSA Administrator John Pistole said in a statement.
Not everyone is eligible, however. The program applies only to members of airlines' frequent flier programs, who must apply with the TSA. The TSA then vets each applicant. If they're approved, fliers receive boarding passes with a special barcode, which the TSA reads at the security checkpoint and uses to direct fliers to the PreCheck lane.
The program has been limited to American and Delta frequent fliers. US Airways spokeswoman Michelle Mohr said the airline has started letting its Dividend Miles members know about the program, but doesn't have a date when it will roll out at Charlotte Douglas for US Airways fliers.
"TSA determines who's eligible and does not guarantee participants will receive expedited screening each time they travel," Mohr said, in an email.
The TSA has screened 336,000 people via PreCheck, and the agency said it expects to continue expanding the program.
