The three major airports serving the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas are “exploring” whether to add express security checkpoints for frequent fliers under a new federal pilot program expected to begin this summer.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates Dulles International and Reagan National airports, and the Maryland Aviation Administration, which operates Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, said they are in a “wait and see” mode while federal transportation officials finalize criteria for the program.
The Transportation Security Administration announced last month that it expects to implement the Registered Traveler Program in 10 to 20 airports by the end of the year. The program builds on an earlier two-year test at six airports across the country — including Reagan National — that ended in September.
“And as part of this exploration, we would consider the unique service demands and layout of the TSA facilities at each airport to determine whether passengers would benefit from a Registered Traveler Program there,” said MWAA spokeswoman Tara Hamilton.
BWI spokeswoman Tracy Newman said the airport is studying the idea, but nothing has been finalized.
The program allows travelers to pass through separate express lanes for an annual fee, expected to range from $50 to $150. Passengers will be prescreened and must provide personal information, which will be verified and authenticated to safeguard against the use of a false or stolen identity. They will also have their identity confirmed by a fingerprint or iris scan at the gate.
Program participants will still have to remove their shoes, jackets and coats during screening and open up laptops, a decision that critics say will make it hard for passengers to justify the cost.
Several U.S. airports — including Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas and San Francisco — have officially declined to sign up.
TSA officials are not backing down from the strict on-site standards. They are concerned that, without such tests, “homegrown” terrorists with no criminal records or other indicators in their personal histories that indicate they are dangerous may slip through background checks and be able to board planes without examination.
Timeline
» The Registered Traveler Program is expected to be rolled out at 10 to 20 airports, with the first beginning in June.
» Specific TSA requirements for the program are not expected to be unveiled until the end of May.
» If successful, TSA plans to roll out the program nationally in 2007.
» BWI, Reagan and Dulles have not yet made official proposals to TSA, officials said.
