TSA to expand speedy screenings to Midway Airport
ASSOCIATED PRESS September 5, 2013 8:14AM
Updated: September 5, 2013 8:16AM
Travelers at Midway Airport could soon be able to keep their shoes on while going through security at more airports around the country.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday that it will expand faster screening lanes to Midway and 59 other airports, bringing the program to a total of 100 airports by year end. The program is already available at O’Hare International Airport and 39 other airports, and the agency says the expansion is part of its attempt to make screening more effective by breaking away from a single approach at all airports.
Under the Pre-Check program, qualified passengers don’t have to remove their shoes, light jackets and belts. They can keep laptops in cases, and liquids and gels in their carry-on bags
TSA says more than 15 million passengers have used Pre-Check since it started in October 2011.
Pre-Check is open to U.S. citizens who belong to frequent-flier programs of participating airlines or a government trusted-traveler program, and to Canadian citizens who belong to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s NEXUS program.
TSA plans to let other U.S. citizens apply later this year by being fingerprinted and paying an $85 fee.
