Frequent fliers can soon keep their shoes on and leave laptops in their cases when going through security in Washington-area airports.
The Transportation Security Administration announced Wednesday the expansion of a new screening program to 28 major U.S. airports that allows some low-threat passengers to skip longer waits and go through a separate line at security checkpoints. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport are expected to be among those to adopt the new rules by the end of 2012.
The program signals a significant shift in federal aviation security policy, which has largely sought to restrict passengers in the decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It’s also President Obama’s first attempt to remedy a growing hostility toward the TSA under his watch.
All three airports used by hijackers in the 9/11 attacks — Dulles, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Logan International Airport in Boston — are included in the expansion.
“We are pleased to expand this important effort in collaboration with our airline and airport partners as we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more intelligence-driven risk-based transportation security system,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said.
Those eligible to participate include pre-screened travelers who are participants of frequent-flier programs for American and Delta airlines, though that will likely expand to US Airways, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines this year, and members of the Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs.
Vetted customers will receive a special boarding pass and can use a separate lane to go through security. They will also be exempt from taking off shoes, belts and jackets and can keep their laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage.
The program has been in a pilot phase since last October and is in effect in seven airports. The TSA has already screened more than 336,000 passengers.
Expanding the program to “the nation’s busiest airports will increase our security capabilities,” said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, “and expedite the screening process for travelers we consider our trusted partners.”
